Description
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Einsteinium is a synthetic element in the actinide family. Not much is known about this element, and studies are still underway to determine its chemical characteristics. Einsteinium has an atomic weight of 252, a melting point of 1580 °F, and its boiling point is not yet known. It is estimated to be a silver color in its solid state. To date, there are no known uses for einsteinium as it can only be manufactured on a very small basis; there are no current predictions for einsteinium use either.
Isolation
Einsteinium can only be synthesized in small quantities using specialized equipment. It may exist in nature, but in such minute quantities that it cannot be detected.
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Einsteinium was first discovered through the examination of debris that occurred after hydrogen bomb testing. The element had been synthesized in an isotopic form, number 253, from the nuclear fusion of the hydrogen bomb; it had a half life of 20.5 days. Einsteinium was then synthesized years later by using the isotope, number 239, of plutonium; this isotope was bombarded with neutrons and minute quantities of einsteinium resulted. Today, einsteinium is produced infrequently and in very small amounts. The process involves the irradiation of the plutonium isotope number 239. The irradiation process results in the plutonium isotope, number 242, which is then combined with aluminum metal to form a pellet like compound. These pellets are then irradiated again during a year long process in a nuclear reaction. After this procedure, four more months of irradiation must be carried out in a separate reactor. From these procedures, a compound containing einsteinium and californium is formed. These elements can then be separated from one another.