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Curium

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Identification
Molecular formula
96Cm
CAS number
7440-51-9
IUPAC name
curium
State
State

Curium is a solid under standard conditions. It is a well-characterized metal that remains in metallic form at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 345.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 618.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
3 110.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 383.00
General information
Molecular weight
247.07g/mol
Molar mass
247.0700g/mol
Density
13.5100g/cm3
Appearence

Curium is a hard, dense, silvery metal. It has a bright, metallic luster that can tarnish slightly when exposed to air. As a freshly prepared metal, it often exhibits a shiny, silvery appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Curium Compounds

Curium, represented by the chemical symbol Cm, is an actinide element that exhibits varying solubility depending on its oxidation states and the specific compounds it forms. Generally, curium is not found in nature in its elemental form and is usually present in the form of various salts or oxides. In terms of solubility:

  • In Water: Curium salts, such as CmCl3 and Cm(NO3)3, show a degree of solubility in water, although they are typically less soluble than many other metal salts.
  • pH Dependence: The solubility of curium compounds can be greatly influenced by the pH of the solution. For instance, higher acidity can promote the solubility of certain curium species.
  • Complexation: Curium can form complexes with various ligands, which may enhance its solubility in specific environments. This is important in nuclear chemistry and environmental scenarios.
  • Environmental Impact: The solubility behavior of curium is critical for understanding its mobility in soil and groundwater, which has implications for nuclear waste management.

In summary, while some curium compounds exhibit moderate solubility, their behavior greatly depends on the chemical environment and specific conditions. As a rule of thumb, curium's solubility is generally low, emphasizing the need for caution when handling and disposing of compounds containing this element.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Curium

Curium, named after the pioneering scientists Marie and Pierre Curie, is a fascinating element within the actinide series of the periodic table. Here are some intriguing aspects of this synthetic element:

  • Discovery: Curium was discovered in 1944 by scientists Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, and Edwin McMillan while they were experimenting with the bombardment of plutonium with alpha particles at the University of California, Berkeley.
  • Symbol: It is represented by the symbol Cm.
  • Atomic Number: Curium has the atomic number of 96, placing it among the heavy elements in the actinide series.
  • Applications: While primarily known for its use in scientific research, curium has practical applications, including:
    • As a source of alpha particles in certain types of nuclear batteries.
    • In the production of neutron sources.
  • Radioactivity: Curium is radioactive and has multiple isotopes, the most notable being 247Cm, with a half-life of around 15.6 million years, which makes it useful in studies of nuclear chemistry and geology.
  • Research Significance: Curium is instrumental in furthering our understanding of heavy element chemistry and is often used in nuclear research to explore the properties of actinides.

To quote one of the researchers involved in its discovery, “Curium is not just another element; it symbolizes the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the field of nuclear chemistry.” Curium continues to be a subject of exploration and fascination in the world of science.

Synonyms
CURIUM
7440-51-9
curium atom
curio
UNII-M5LL84MZ2W
M5LL84MZ2W
CURIUM [MI]
CM
CHEBI:33390
DTXSID80225390
DTXCID80147881
Curium, ion(Cm3 )
Curium Ion
96Cm
Q27115624
ZCM