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Technetium

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Identification
Molecular formula
Tc
CAS number
7440-26-8
IUPAC name
technetium
State
State
Technetium is in a solid state at room temperature, exhibiting the typical properties of metals.
Melting point (Celsius)
2 157.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
2 430.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
4 265.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
4 538.00
General information
Molecular weight
98.00g/mol
Molar mass
98.0000g/mol
Density
11.5000g/cm3
Appearence

Technetium is a silvery-gray transition metal. It has a metallic luster and is similar in appearance to platinum. Due to its radioactive properties, samples are often not pure metallic form but include oxidized states.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Technetium Compounds

Technetium (Tc) is a transition metal that primarily exists in various oxidation states, most commonly +4, +7, and +3. The solubility of technetium compounds can vary significantly depending on their chemical form and the conditions under which they are examined. Here are some key points regarding the solubility of technetium:

  • Technetium(VII) compounds: These are often more soluble in water. For instance, technetium oxide (TcO2) is generally considered insoluble, while pertechnetate ions (TcO4-) can be quite soluble.
  • Complex formation: Technetium can form complexes with various ligands which can either enhance or diminish its solubility. The solubility of these complexes is greatly influenced by the nature of the ligands involved.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility of technetium species is sensitive to pH changes. For example, in highly acidic solutions, technetium may exist primarily as solubilized species, while in alkaline conditions, it can precipitate out as less soluble compounds.
  • Environmental considerations: In waste management and environmental remediation contexts, understanding technetium solubility is crucial, as it dictates its mobility and bioavailability in the environment.

In summary, the solubility of technetium compounds is highly variable, depending on their oxidation state, the presence of complexing agents, and environmental conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for applications in nuclear chemistry, radiopharmaceuticals, and environmental science.

Interesting facts

Discovering Technetium

Technetium, with the symbol Tc, is a fascinating transition metal that holds a unique place in the periodic table as the first artificially produced element. Here are some intriguing facts about technetium:

Key Historical Facts

  • Technetium was discovered in 1937 by Italian scientists Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè.
  • Its name comes from the Greek word technetos, meaning "artificial," highlighting its synthetic origins.
  • It was the first element to be artificially produced, showcasing the capabilities of modern chemistry.

Chemical Properties and Applications

This versatile element is known for several interesting properties and uses:

  • Radioactivity: Technetium has no stable isotopes, making it almost entirely radioactive. The most common isotope, 98Tc, has a half-life of about 4.2 million years.
  • Medical Imaging: Its radioisotopes are widely used in the medical field, particularly in diagnostic imaging. 99mTc is especially popular for its ability to provide detailed images for various scans.
  • Research Applications: Due to its unique properties, technetium is often utilized in research for studying nuclear reactions and other experimental processes.

Interesting Characteristics

Moreover, technetium exhibits some striking characteristics that make it stand out:

  • It is the lightest element without any stable isotopes, essentially bridging the gap between light and heavy metals.
  • Technetium's complexity lies in its electron configuration, which contributes to its rich chemistry—offering a variety of oxidation states, from -1 to +7.

Conclusion

In summary, technetium is not only a testament to human ingenuity in the realm of chemistry but also serves as a critical element in modern science and medicine. As a fascinating object of study, technetium continually inspires research and discovery across multiple disciplines.

Synonyms
TECHNETIUM
7440-26-8
Tc
technetium atom
99m, Technetium
Technetium, elemental
tecnecio
HSDB 7542
technetium hydride
EINECS 231-136-0
technetium nonahydride
43Tc
DTXSID5075028
CHEBI:33353
HSDB 7543
HSD7543000
Q1054
N-(2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl)methanimine; technetium(6+)