0000000000482282
AUTHOR
Lorenz Niewisch
Superheavy element flerovium (element 114) is a volatile metal.
The electron shell structure of superheavy elements, i.e., elements with atomic number Z ≥ 104, is influenced by strong relativistic effects caused by the high Z. Early atomic calculations on element 112 (copernicium, Cn) and element 114 (flerovium, Fl) having closed and quasi-closed electron shell configurations of 6d(10)7s(2) and 6d(10)7s(2)7p1/2(2), respectively, predicted them to be noble-gas-like due to very strong relativistic effects on the 7s and 7p1/2 valence orbitals. Recent fully relativistic calculations studying Cn and Fl in different environments suggest them to be less reactive compared to their lighter homologues in the groups, but still exhibiting a metallic character. Expe…
Rapid Synthesis of Radioactive Transition-Metal Carbonyl Complexes at Ambient Conditions
Carbonyl complexes of radioactive transition metals can be easily synthesized with high yields by stopping nuclear fission or fusion products in a gas volume containing CO. Here, we focus on Mo, W, and Os complexes. The reaction takes place at pressures of around 1 bar at room temperature, i.e., at conditions that are easy to accommodate. The formed complexes are highly volatile. They can thus be transported within a gas stream without major losses to setups for their further investigation or direct use. The rapid synthesis holds promise for radiochemical purposes and will be useful for studying, e.g., chemical properties of superheavy elements.
Electrodeposition methods in superheavy element chemistry
To prepare electrodeposition experiments with superheavy elements (SHE), their homologs were investigated. In the experiments, various electrode materials and electrolytes were used. Critical potentials (E crit ) where the electrodeposition starts and potentials for the deposition of 50% of the atoms in solution (E 50% ) were determined. Underpotential deposition was observed in most cases. An electrolytic cell for a fast electrochemical deposition was developed and the time for the deposition of 50% of the atoms in solution (t 50% ) was determined. Short lived α-emitting isotopes were produced at Gesellschaft fur Schwerionenforschung (GSI), Darmstadt, transferred to the aqueous phase with …
In-situ formation, thermal decomposition, and adsorption studies of transition metal carbonyl complexes with short-lived radioisotopes
Abstract We report on the in-situ synthesis of metal carbonyl complexes with short-lived isotopes of transition metals. Complexes of molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium and rhodium were synthesized by thermalisation of products of neutron-induced fission of 249Cf in a carbon monoxide-nitrogen mixture. Complexes of tungsten, rhenium, osmium, and iridium were synthesized by thermalizing short-lived isotopes produced in 24Mg-induced fusion evaporation reactions in a carbon monoxide containing atmosphere. The chemical reactions took place at ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The complexes were rapidly transported in a gas stream to collection setups or gas phase chromatography devices.…