Liquid phase experiments with the heaviest elements

Nagame, Yuichiro 

Recent studies of chemical properties of the heaviest elements in the aqueous phase are reviewed. From the systematic study of ion-exchange chromatographic behavior of Rf, it has been found that the properties of Rf are quite similar to those of the group-4 homologues, Zr and Hf, in the formation of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate complexes, although there are some differences in complexation strength between Rf and the lighter homologues. On the contrary, fluoride complex formation of Rf is significantly different from that of the homologues. To further understanding of the chemical properties of the heaviest elements, we have to take into account chemical equilibrium and to determine chemical species in aqueous phases even in atom-at-a-time chemistry; reaction kinetics in complex formation and ion-exchange/solvent extraction processes of the heaviest elements should be carefully considered.