Helium does not typically form compounds or gain or lose electrons. This is because helium has a complete and stable electron configuration, with two electrons in the first shell. This gives helium a very low electronegativity and makes it chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other elements to form compounds.

In almost all cases, helium atoms remain as individual atoms and do not participate in chemical reactions. This property makes helium a commonly used gas for filling balloons and airships, as well as for applications such as cryogenics, high-pressure gas containers, and particle accelerators.