Can Fleeting Heavy Atoms Form Stable Molecules Before Decay?

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SUMMARY

Scientists are exploring the potential for bonding fleeting heavy atoms, such as element 117, into stable molecules before they decay. The discussion highlights that while the dynamics of molecule formation may occur within the short lifespan of these superheavy elements, significant unknowns remain regarding their chemical properties. Current research in single-atom chemistry is focused on understanding these properties rather than immediate applications in molecule formation. The feasibility of creating stable molecules from heavy atoms remains a complex challenge in modern chemistry.

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JonW.24
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I read about scientists creating new heavy elements such 117 and that the properties of such exotic elements are mostly unknown because the scientist have just microseconds before they decay. Would it be at all possible to bond some new molecule with the heavy atom and some other appropriate atom before it decayed? Is there a chance it would last long enough to study as a molecule?
 
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This is getting into the frankly incredible field of single-atom chemistry. If the dynamics of the molecule formation is shorter than the lifetime of the superheavy element, then sure, you can do it (and I'm no chemist, but I'm pretty sure the dynamics are short enough). I don't think it would be the near-term focus of single atom chemistry though - as you say, there is plenty of unknown chemical properties before we start thinking about how they play in molecules.

http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2014/05/20/superheavy-chemistry-one-atom-at-a-time/
 

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