Full Idea
It is the electron that is mainly responsible for the chemical properties of the elements.
Gist of Idea
The electron is the main source of chemical properties
Source
Eric R. Scerri (The Periodic Table [2007], 06 'Intro')
Book Reference
Scerri,Eric R.: 'The Periodic Table' [OUP 2007], p.160
Related Idea
Idea 17412 Elements are placed in the table by the number of positive charges - the atomic number [Scerri]