The Heaviest Atom Observed Forming a Molecule: A Breakthrough in Superheavy Chemistry
The heaviest atom observed forming a molecule
David Dixon, Sarah Sprouse/The University of Alabama; Jennifer Pore/Berkeley Lab
Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by directly observing the heaviest atom participating in a chemical reaction and forming a molecule. This discovery has propelled the field of “superheavy” chemistry, which deals with extremely massive radioactive elements, to new heights and has the potential to reshape the periodic table as we know it.
Exploring exotic chemical elements poses unique challenges, especially when determining their accurate placement within the periodic table. For example, copernicium, a radioactive element, exhibits properties more akin to noble gases despite being classified among the transition metals. This discrepancy underscores the need for precise experimentation to unravel the true nature of these elements.
Addressing this challenge, Jennifer Pore and her team at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted a groundbreaking experiment involving the heaviest actinide, nobelium (element 102). By initiating a chemical reaction that produced a molecule containing nobelium, the researchers delved into the properties of these heavy and radioactive actinides.
The experimental setup involved a particle accelerator colliding energetic calcium atoms with lead, resulting in the formation of nobelium atoms that subsequently reacted with nitrogen and water molecules. Employing a sophisticated detector resembling a mass spectrometer enabled the precise identification of the resulting molecules, marking a significant advancement in superheavy chemistry.
Further experiments with a thulium target led to the creation of actinium (element 89), allowing for a comparative analysis of its reactivity with water against nobelium. This comparative study affirmed the similar behavior of these elements, suggesting a potential reevaluation of their placement in the periodic table.
Notably, nobelium now stands as the heaviest element observed to form a molecule directly, although the title of the heaviest element ever created still belongs to oganesson (element 118). The methodology employed in creating and identifying nobelium-containing molecules holds promise for future breakthroughs in superheavy chemistry.
Sophia Heinz from GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Germany commended the technical advancement achieved in this experiment, emphasizing the significance of directly studying single molecules in superheavy chemistry.
Peter Schwerdtfeger at Massey University in New Zealand highlighted the potential for future experiments with different superheavy elements, leveraging the success of this pioneering study.
The unexpected discovery that superheavy elements reacted with ambient substances like nitrogen and water has implications for reevaluating past experiments. This revelation challenges existing assumptions and underscores the need for a fresh perspective in studying superheavy elements and their molecular behavior.
Looking ahead, the team aims to explore chemistry with even heavier elements such as dubnium (element 105), necessitating a streamlined approach due to the rapid decay of heavier elements. This pursuit of pushing the boundaries of superheavy chemistry holds the promise of unveiling new insights and potentially reshaping our understanding of the periodic table.
Topics: chemistry / nuclear physics
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