Neon was discovered in 1898 alongside krypton and xenon, identified as one of the three remaining rare inert elements in dry air after the removal of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. Its discovery was marked by the distinctive bright red emission spectrum it exhibited, leading to its immediate recognition as a new element. The name neon originates from the Greek word , a neuter singular form of (), meaning 'new'. Neon is a chemically inert gas, existing neon compounds are primarily ionic molecules or fragile molecules held together by van der Waals forces.
Neon was discovered in 1898 alongside krypton and xenon, identified as one of the three remaining rare inert elements in dry air after the removal of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. Its discovery was marked by the distinctive bright red emission spectrum it exhibited, leading to its immediate recognition as a new element. The name neon originates from the Greek word  a neuter singular form of (), meaning 'new'. Neon is a chemically inert gas, existing neon compounds are primarily ionic molecules or fragile molecules held together by van der Waals forces.