Mendelevium
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Mendelevium

ingredientHeavy Metals

Total Sources: 46

Verified Claims: 26

Scientific Sources: 18

Also known as: Md

Summary

Mendelevium (Md), element 101, is a synthetic, radioactive metal in the actinide series [1]. It is man-made and not found naturally in the environment [1], [6]. Minute quantities are produced for research [6].

What it is

Mendelevium is a radioactive, man-made element [1]. It is a member of the actinide series, possessing the atomic number 101 [1], [6].

Common uses

  • Scientific research

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Mendelevium itself does not present significant anxiety, but there is anxiety regarding the dangers of radiation [23], [19].

Cultural claims

  • There is concern about radiation exposure to children [19].

  • There is a debate about the naming of elements [20], [30].

Source sentiment

The sources present mendelevium objectively, focusing on its properties, synthesis, and potential hazards associated with its radioactivity [1], [5], [6].

History

Timeline

1955

Mendelevium (element 101) was first synthesized by Albert Ghiorso, Bernard G. Harvey, Gregory R. Choppin, Stanley G. Thompson, and Glenn T. Seaborg at the University of California, Berkeley [25], [28].

1970

Isotope 258Md was prepared by bombardment of 255Es with 4He ions [28].

1994

There was controversy surrounding the naming of element 106, initially named seaborgium after Glenn T. Seaborg, and the controversy extended to other transuranic elements [20].

1997

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) resolved naming disputes, also impacting elements 107-109 [30].

Origin

Mendelevium was synthesized in 1955 by bombarding einsteinium-253 with alpha particles [28], [25].

First appeared: 1955

Science

Key findings

  • Mendelevium is a man-made radioactive element in the actinide family [1].

  • It has no stable isotopes, and the longest-lived isotope is 258Md with a half-life of 55 days [28].

  • Mendelevium's chemical behavior is similar to other trivalent actinides and lanthanides [5].

  • It can be reduced to a divalent ion stable in solution [5].

Studies

Mendelevium: divalency and other chemical properties

Mendelevium (element 101) is the first actinide element found to give a divalent ion stable in solution. The chemical behavior of Md(3+) is similar to that of the other trivalent actinides and lanthanides [5].

New Element Mendelevium, Atomic Number 101

Report on the first synthesis of Mendelevium [25].

Safety status

Mendelevium is a radioactive element, and handling it requires special equipment and shielding due to radiation hazards [28]. Exposure can cause cell damage and increase cancer risk [42], [23].

Nuance

The toxicity of mendelevium is primarily due to its radioactivity. The risk depends on the mode of exposure (inhalation, ingestion) and the specific isotope involved [9], [6].

Alternatives

Radiopharmaceuticals

In medical applications where radiation is needed, other radiopharmaceuticals with better-understood safety profiles and shorter half-lives are preferred [17], [18].

Avoidance tips

  • Since mendelevium is primarily encountered in research settings, the general public is unlikely to be exposed [6].

  • For those working with or near radioactive materials, adherence to safety protocols and proper handling procedures is crucial to minimize exposure [28].

References

1.

https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/D01.268.556.494