Polonium: Inorganic Chemistry

Abstract

The chemistry of polonium is quite limited. Because all of the isotopes of this element are radioactive, and because it is available in such limited quantities, research with polonium is difficult. The metal has been isolated and characterized. Although a number of polonium compounds, such as PoO2 have been well characterized, the evidence for many is insubstantial. Among the halide derivatives, PoCl4 has been studied in greatest detail. A number of other halides, and their complex ions such as PoBr6‐2, have been studied with considerable success. A simple binary nitride has never been prepared, and only indirect evidence for the existence of H2Po has been reported.

Future perspectives and mitigation strategies towards groundwater arsenic contamination in West Bengal, India

“…It is most commonly found in mineral forms like arsenopyrite (FeAsS), orpiment (As 2 S 3 ), realgar (As 4 S 4 ), löllingite (FeAs 2 ), proustite (Ag 3 AsS 3 ), cobaltite (CoAsS), seligmannite (PbCuAsS 3 ), etc. (Mandal & Suzuki, 2002; Drahota & Filippi, 2009; Zingaro, 1994). Although arsenic rarely occurs in the native state, it is widely distributed in nature, which is the reason why living beings are often exposed to it through food, air, and water (Bhattacharya et al., 2007; Bissen & Frimmel, 2003; Brammer 2009; Islam et al., 2013; Nriagu, 2002).…”