uranium [U]

Introduction

Named after the planet Uranus. Discovered in 1789 by German chemist Martin J Klaproth. First isolated in 1841 by French chemist Eugene M Peligot

Occurrence

• exists naturally as a mixture of 3 isotopes of mass # 234, 235 & 238 in the proportions 0.006%, 0.71% & 99.28%
• occurs in several minerals including pitchblende, uranite, & carnotite
• uranium 238 is abundant in the earth's crust

Characteristics

• silvery heavy radioactive metallic element
• polyvalent
• toxic: exposure may result in irreversible kidney disease
• carcinogenic

Uses

• U-235 isotope is used to power nuclear generators
  • a uranium sample must be turned into UF6 to separate the fission isotope U-235 from the more abundant U-238
• in a breeder reactor, U-238 can capture a neutron & undergo negative beta-decay to become Pu-239, which is used to work turbines & generate electrical power
• uranium compounds were used for centuries to color glass

More general terms

• actinide
• radioactive element

Additional terms

• periodic table

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=23989