Recent Theoretical Advances in Bond Covalency of Transplutonium Compounds

Abstract

The physical and chemical properties of transplutonium elements are very similar, and their in-group separation is extremely difficult. It is generally believed that the oxidation state of transplutonium elements is usually +3, and their properties are similar to lanthanides. However, related studies in recent years have found that some Bk, Cf compounds have stronger covalent interactions than Pu, Am, Cm compounds. Since transplutonium elements are high toxicity, strong radioactivity and mostly short-lived nuclides, experimental studies are very difficult, and relevant experimental data are particularly scarce. In recent years, theoretical calculations have become an important means to understand the physical and chemical properties of transplutonium elements. In this review, we summarize recent theoretical advances in the bonding nature of transplutonium(Am, Cm, Bk, Cf) compounds.

Keywords

• transplutonium elements
• covalency
• computational chemistry
• density functional theory