Superheavy element flerovium (element 114) is a volatile metal
Alexander Yakushev1, Jacklyn M Gates, Andreas Türler
1Institut für Radiochemie, TU Munich , 85748 Garching, Germany.
Inorganic Chemistry
|January 25, 2014
Summary
Flerovium (Fl) and copernicium (Cn) exhibit relativistic effects influencing their chemical properties. Experimental studies show Fl forms a metal-metal bond with gold, indicating metallic character despite higher inertness than lead.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics and Chemistry
- Relativistic Effects in Superheavy Elements
- Atomic and Molecular Interactions
Background:
- Superheavy elements (Z ≥ 104) display significant relativistic effects impacting their electron shell structure.
- Previous calculations predicted copernicium (Cn) and flerovium (Fl) to be noble-gas-like due to strong relativistic influences on valence orbitals.
- Recent studies suggest Cn and Fl are less reactive than lighter homologues but retain metallic character.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the adsorption behavior of flerovium (Fl) on a gold (Au) surface using gas-solid chromatography.
- To compare the adsorption properties of Fl with its lighter homologues, lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), and the noble gas radon (Rn).
- To determine the chemical reactivity and bonding characteristics of Fl in a realistic experimental environment.
Main Methods:
- Production of Fl via the nuclear fusion reaction (244)Pu((48)Ca, 3-4n)(288,289)Fl.
- In-flight isolation of Fl using a physical recoil separator.
- Simultaneous isothermal gas chromatography and thermochromatography studies of Fl, Cn, Pb, Hg, and Rn adsorption on a Au surface.
Main Results:
- Two Fl atoms were detected, adsorbing on a Au surface at room temperature.
- Fl showed less ready adsorption on Au compared to Pb and Hg, indicating higher inertness.
- The measured adsorption enthalpy suggests the formation of a metal-metal bond between Fl and Au.
Conclusions:
- Flerovium exhibits higher inertness than its nearest homologue, lead (Pb), consistent with relativistic effects.
- Despite its inertness, Fl forms a metal-metal bond with gold, confirming its metallic character.
- These findings contribute to understanding the unique chemical properties of superheavy elements.
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