Extraction chromatographic studies of rutherfordium and dubnium homologs

Abstract

Extraction Chromatographic Studies of Rutherfordium and Dubnium Homologs by Megan E. Bennett Dr. Ralf Sudowe, Examination Committee Chair Assistant Professor of Radiochemistry University of Nevada, Las Vegas Studying the chemistry of transactinide elements does not only allow for these elements to be properly placed in the Periodic Table, but it also permits for the extrapolation of the electronic structure based upon the position of the element in the Periodic Table. In addition it enable for the assessment of the role that relativistic effects play in the chemical behavior of the heaviest elements. An improved understanding of the role of relativistic effects in chemistry of the heaviest elements allows for a better understanding of the fundamentals principles that govern the Periodic Table. In order to investigate the chemistry of the transactinides, chemical studies on the homologs and pseudo-homologs of the element must first be performed. Chemical studies of the homologs and pseudo-homologs can be completed in a number of ways. Gas-phase chemistry, solvent extraction and ion-exchange chromatography have all been used to study a number of transactinide elements as well as their respective homologs and pseudo-homologs. No matter the method of study, a given system must fulfill the following requirements to be considered suitable; fast kinetics, high separation factors, large number of exchange steps, highly selective and samples easily prepared for alpha spectroscopy. The system must allow for rapid separation due to the short half-