Chemistry of americium

Radiolytic Oxidation of Am (III) to Am(V) in NaCl Solutions

“…Am(V) solutions are routinely prepared by the oxidation of Am (III) in the presence of alkali carbonates by electrolysis [1] or with powerful oxidants such as ozone, peroxydisulfate or hypochlorite [2], The last oxidant was used with Am (III) in 40% K 2 C0 3 solution at room temperature in experiments that initially established the pentavalent oxidation state of Am [3]. Further investigations showed the oxidation of Am(OH) 3 to Am(0H) 4 in 0.2M NaOCl (pH > 7) at ~ 90°C [4], Subsequently, it was found that Am (III) could also be radiolytically oxidized to Am(V) in concentrated K 2 C0 3 solutions without benefit of an extra oxidizing agent [5].…”

Selective Separation of Trivalent Actinides from Lanthanides by Aqueous Processing with Introduction of Soft Donor Atoms

“…The kinetic barrier to further reduction tends to stabilize Am(V), hence it is arguably the most likely candidate for developing a robust Am/Ln separation based on variation in oxidation states. A number of possible approaches to creating and stabilizing oxidized Am species are known [14] . If Am can be stabilized (even as a transient) in its various upper oxidation states, unique options are available for potential Am/Ln group separations.…”

Legitimacy Through Competence Rather Than Value Judgments: the Concept of Journalistic Professionalization Reconsidered

“…Because a selection from 'the sea of facts' is inescapable, the media produce a version of reality which is merely one of many possible versions and far from isomorphic with it [ 60] . This becomes increasingly significant for society as the version produced influences social action, and it does this to the extent that directly conveyed experience which might supplement or correct the media's secondhand version is lacking.…”