| Atomic Number: |
101 |
| Atomic Symbol: |
Md |
| Atomic Weight: |
258 |
| Electron Configuration: |
[Rn]7s25f13 |
History
(Dmitri Mendeleev) Mendelevium, the ninth transuranium element of the actinide series
discovered, was first identified by Ghiorso, Harvey, Choppin, Thompson, and Seaborg in
early in 1955 during the bombardment of the isotope 253Es with helium ions in the Berkeley
60-inch cyclotron. The isotope produced was 256Md, which has a half-life of 76 min. This
first identification was notable in that 256Md was synthesized on a one-atom-at-a-time
basis.
Isotopes
Fourteen isotopes are now recognized. 258Md has a half-life of 2 months. This isotope
has been produced by the bombardment of an isotope of einsteinium with ions of helium.
Eventually enough 258Md should be made to determine its physical properties.
Uses
256Md has been used to elucidate some of the chemical properties of mendelevium in
aqueous solution.
Properties
Experiments seem to show that the element possesses a moderately stable dipositive (II)
oxidation state in addition to the tripositive (III) oxidation state, which is
characteristic of the actinide elements.
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