Bk2O3

Bk2O3, or berkelium(III) oxide, is the binary oxide of the synthetic actinide berkelium (Bk, atomic number 97). It represents the +3 oxidation state of berkelium in oxide form and is the most commonly encountered oxide of this element in laboratory chemistry. Because berkelium is highly radioactive and produced only in minuscule quantities, Bk2O3 is prepared and handled in specialized facilities.

Production and availability

Bk2O3 is typically formed by high-temperature oxidation of berkelium-containing materials or by calcining berkelium compounds such as oxalates or nitrates to oxide. In practice, berkelium compounds are created in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators and converted to the oxide in controlled settings. It is not available commercially outside of research institutions due to the extreme radioactivity and scarcity of berkelium.

Chemical properties

As with other actinide sesquioxides, Bk2O3 is a solid with a high melting point and is generally insoluble in water. It is reactive toward strong acids, from which it dissolves to yield Berkelium(III) aqueous species (Bk3+). The compound serves as a common starting material for further synthesis of berkelium(III) compounds or for spectroscopic and thermodynamic studies of actinide chemistry. Its chemistry is dominated by radioactivity, with alpha decay presenting significant handling considerations.

Applications and safety

Bk2O3’s primary value lies in fundamental actinide research, including coordination chemistry, spectroscopy, and thermodynamics of berkelium compounds. Handling requires remote operation and shielding, strict radiological controls, and compliance with regulatory requirements for radioactive substances.

See also: Berkelium, Berkelium compounds, Actinide chemistry.