Relation Between an Atomic Electronegativity Scale and the Work Function

Recently compiled data for the first electron affinity and the first ionization potential are used to obtain values for an atomic electronegativity scale, based on the Mulliken relation. From this scale and a new compilation of work function data, a linear equation is obtained which includes a parameter for any given element, depending on its subgroup in the periodic table. Data are plotted for 51 elements, including simple metals, transition metals, and semiconductors. These data fit the straight-line equation better than 10 percent. Data for the transition metals deviate within the same limits as those for elements having simpler electronic configurations. The electronegativity scale differs significantly from the Pauling scale and is shown to be a useful guide to preferred values of the work function for elements.