Americium

Name:
Americium
Detailed information:
Am. A synthetic radioactive element of atomic number 95, a member of the actinide series; Aw 241; 14 isotopes of widely varying half-life; valence 3, but divalent, tetravalent, and higher valencies exist. α and γ emitter, forms compounds with oxygen, halides, lithium, etc. Metallic americium is silver-white crystalline, d 13.6, mp approximately 100C. Half-life of ²⁴¹Am is 458 years.

Derivation:

Multiple neutron capture in plutonium in nuclear reactors, plutonium isotopes yield 241Am and 243Am on β decay. The metal is obtained by reduction of the trifluoride with barium in a vacuum at 1200C.

Hazard:

A radioactive poison.

Use:

Gamma radiography, radiochemical research, diagnostic aid, electronic devices.