Californium(IV) oxide
Californium(IV) oxide, with the chemical formula CfO2, is a binary compound of californium and oxygen. It is a brown-black solid. Californium in this compound exhibits a +4 oxidation state.
Californium(IV) oxide is typically synthesized by heating californium(III) oxide (Cf2O3) under high pressure (often using oxygen at elevated pressure). The compound is a relatively strong oxidizing agent.
Due to the rarity of californium and its intense radioactivity, Californium(IV) oxide is primarily of interest in scientific research and is not used in any large-scale industrial applications. Its existence helps further the understanding of the chemical properties of the actinide series elements and their potential for forming higher oxidation state compounds. Research involving Californium(IV) oxide is generally conducted in specialized facilities with appropriate safety measures to handle radioactive materials. Its properties and behavior are still not as thoroughly studied compared to the oxides of more common elements.