2005/11/01 by John S. Thayer · 2 citations
Medicine · Chemistry · #Boron Compounds in Chemistry #Inorganic Fluorides and Related Compounds #Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry and Applications
paper · doi:10.1021/ed082p1721
openalex publication_date 2005/11/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/12
The heaviest main-group elements (mercury through radon and their heavier congenors) often show markedly different chemical properties than their lighter counterparts. Most of these differences arise from changes in the relative energies of the outer-shell atomic orbitals that can be explained by application of Einstein's theory of special relativity ("relativistic effects") to electrons in atoms. Changes include stabilization of lower oxidation states, destabilization of higher states, and greater tendencies towards cluster formation. These will be illustrated by examples of recent research reports, and predictions for the chemistry of elements 112 through 118.