Plutonium trioxide
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Plutonium trioxide is an inorganic compound of plutonium and oxygen with the chemical formula PuO3.[1] This is a high-order oxide of plutonium where the metal is in the +6 oxidation state. The compound is less stable and less common than the common plutonium dioxide PuO2.
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Other names
Plutonium(VI) oxide | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| PuO3 | |
| Molar mass | 536 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | golden-red crystals (hydrates) |
| insoluble (hydrates) | |
| Related compounds | |
Other anions |
|
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
| |
Theoretical calculations on molecular actinide trioxides predict that while molecular plutonium trioxide should attain the +6 oxidation state for plutonium, the molecular trioxides of the heavier actinides should be regarded as having the actinide in the +5 oxidation state[2]
Synthesis
Initially, plutonium(III) hydroxide is obtained, which then transforms into plutonium(IV) hydroxide in air, and then oxygen containing ozone is passed through the suspension:[3]
- Pu(OH)4 + O3 → PuO3·H2O + O2 + H2O
Physical properties
Plutonium trioxide forms hydrates of variable composition PuO3•xH2O, where x = 0.8–1, which are golden-red crystals.[4] Not isolated in the anhydrous state: it decomposes when attempted to separate the water. When stored in the air, the compound absorbs moisture up to the composition of PuO3•H2O. Insoluble in water.
Chemical properties
Decomposes when heated:[5]
- 2PuO3·xH2O → 2PuO2 + O2 + 2xH2O
Dissolves in acids, forming salts:
- PuO3·xH2O + 2HNO3 → PuO2(NO3)2 + (x + 1)·H2O