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Technetium-99

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Identification
Molecular formula
Tc
CAS number
13981-03-8
IUPAC name
technetium-99
State
State

At room temperature, Technetium-99 is in a solid state. It is a metal and is typically stored at facilities equipped for managing radioactive materials.

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
11.0000g/cm3
Appearence

Technetium-99 is a silvery-grey transition metal. It is usually obtained as a gray powder and can also be presented in its metallic form. Its radioactive properties require handling in specialized facilities.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Technetium-99

Technetium-99 (Tc-99) presents a unique case in the discussion of solubility. As a radioactive isotope of technetium, it does not exist freely in nature but rather occurs in compounds, primarily in oxidation states of +4, +7, and +2.

When evaluating the solubility of technetium compounds, several factors come into play:

  • Oxidation State: The oxidation state of technetium significantly influences its solubility. For example, technetium(VII) in the form of TcO4 is highly soluble in water, whereas technetium(IV) oxides are generally insoluble.
  • pH Levels: The solubility of technetium compounds can also vary with pH. In acidic solutions, certain techentium complexes tend to be more soluble compared to their behavior in neutral or alkaline conditions.
  • Formation of Complexes: Technetium can form complexes with various ligands, which can significantly enhance its solubility. For instance, complexes with organic molecules or chelating agents tend to be more soluble in aqueous solutions.

In summary, the solubility of technetium-99 is influenced by its chemical form, the surrounding pH, and the presence of complexing agents. For applications in medical imaging and radiopharmaceuticals, understanding these solubility dynamics is crucial. As a general statement, the behavior of technetium in solution is an important aspect that underscores the complexity of working with this compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Technetium-99

Technetium-99 (99Tc) is an isotope of the element technetium, which holds a significant place in both chemistry and medicine. Here are some intriguing aspects of this fascinating compound:

  • Unique Origin: Technetium is noteworthy for being the first element to be artificially produced, synthesized by Carlo Perrier and Emilio Segrè in 1937.
  • Medical Marvel: The most prominent application of 99Tc is in the field of nuclear medicine, where it is used in over 80% of all diagnostic imaging procedures, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
  • Detection of Disease: 99Tc is instrumental in detecting various conditions, including heart disease, bone disorders, and cancers, due to its short half-life and ability to emit gamma rays that can be detected by modern imaging techniques.
  • Radiopharmaceutical Innovation: As a radiopharmaceutical, it is often bound to various compounds that target specific organs or tissues, enhancing the effectiveness of imaging and therapeutic interventions.
  • Environmental Research: Technetium-99 is also studied in environmental chemistry, particularly as a contaminant in nuclear waste, thereby prompting research into containment and remediation strategies.

The significance of technetium-99 extends beyond its applications; it provokes thought about the future of isotope research and its potential to revolutionize both our understanding and treatment of diseases. The quote, "In medicine, the most important thing is the informality of the patient," perfectly encapsulates the ease of diagnosis that 99Tc provides, positioning it as a cornerstone in contemporary healthcare.

Synonyms
Arcitumomab technetium-99m
Technetium-99m arcitumomab
Tc-99m arcitumomab
Technetium Tc 99m arcitumomab
029JF1SCU8
Technetium (99mtc) arcitumomab
Arcitumomab, technetium-99m labeled
154361-49-6
ARCITUMOMAB 99TC
arcitumomab 99MTC-labeled
Technetium Tc-99m arcitumomab
Technetium-99
Technetium-99M
Technetium Tc-99m
14133-76-7
Technetium-99mTc
Technetium, isotope of mass 99
CEA-Scan
99Tc
Technetium 99m
CEA scan
UNII-029JF1SCU8
Tc 99
Technetium Tc 99m
Technetium (99mTc)
Technetium, Tc-99m
Technetium (Tc 99m)
Arcitumomab 99mtc-labeled form [MI]
Technetium-99m arcitumomab [WHO-DD]
Arcitumomab 99MTC-labeled form
6EW75241VU
Technegas
UNII-6EW75241VU
99mTc isotope
99Tc isotope
99Tc radioisotope
Isotope:99mTc
Isotope:99Tc
99mTc (isotope)
Technetium,Tc-99m
99Tc (isotope)
Technetium 99m metal
Technetium-99 isotope
Isotope:Technetium-99
Technetium-99m isotope
Isotope:Technetium-99m
SCHEMBL1649648
(99)Tc
CHEBI:33371
DTXSID00874006
GKLVYJBZJHMRIY-OUBTZVSYSA-N
TECHNETIUM TC 99M [VANDF]
TECHNETIUM,TC-99M [VANDF]
(99)43Tc
TECHNETIUM TC 99M [WHO-DD]
TECHNETIUM (99MTC) TECHNEGAS
DB14227
TECHNETIUM (TC 99M) [VANDF]
Technetium, isotope of mass 99m(6.01 h)