Berkelium(IV) oxide, also known as berkelium dioxide, is a chemical compound with the formula BkO2. This compound slowly decays to californium(IV) oxide.[2] It can be converted to berkelium(III) oxide by hydrogen reduction at 600 °C.[3]

2BkO2 + H2 → Bk2O3 + H2O

Production

Berkelium(IV) oxide is produced by burning berkelium metal in air at 1200 °C. It can also be produced by reacting berkelium(III) oxide with oxygen at 600 °C.[3]

References

  1. ^ Baybarz, R. D. (1968). "The berkelium oxide system". Journal of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry. 30 (7): 1769–1773. doi:10.1016/0022-1902(68)80352-5.
  2. ^ U.S Atomic Energy Commission. Division of Plans and Reports (1972). Fundamental Nuclear Energy Research. the University of Michigan. p. 100.
  3. ^ a b Peterson, J. (1967). "Crystal structures and lattice parameters of the compounds of berkelium I. Berkelium dioxide and cubic berkelium sesquioxide". Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry Letters. 3 (9): 327–336. doi:10.1016/0020-1650(67)80037-0.