Chemical characterization of element 112.
R Eichler1, N V Aksenov, A V Belozerov
1Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland. robert.eichler@psi.ch
Nature
|May 4, 2007
Summary
Chemically characterizing superheavy element 112, scientists found it behaves like a typical group 12 element, confirming its metallic properties and volatility. This study advances the exploration of the superheavy element island of stability.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Atomic Physics
- Periodic Table Trends
Background:
- Heaviest elements like seaborgium, bohrium, and hassium chemically characterize according to periodic table groups.
- Relativistic effects can significantly alter chemical properties of superheavy elements.
- Previous studies suggested element 112 might deviate from group 12 trends due to its electronic structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reliably chemically characterize superheavy element 112.
- To investigate the adsorption properties of element 112 on a gold surface.
- To determine if element 112 exhibits typical group 12 chemical behavior.
Main Methods:
- Production of two atoms of (283)112 via alpha decay of (287)114, formed from 48Ca + 242Pu fusion.
- Adsorption of produced (283)112 atoms onto a gold surface.
- Comparative analysis of adsorption characteristics with mercury and radon.
Main Results:
- Element 112 demonstrated high volatility, similar to but distinct from radon.
- Element 112 exhibited metallic interaction with the gold surface.
- Adsorption properties confirmed element 112 as a typical member of group 12.
Conclusions:
- Element 112 is a volatile metal, behaving as expected within group 12.
- The successful production and characterization validate 48Ca-induced fusion reactions for accessing superheavy elements.
- This work supports the ongoing search for the 'island of stability' for superheavy elements.
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