Einsteinium(III) chloride
Einsteinium(III) chloride (EsCl3) is a chemical compound of einsteinium and chlorine. It is an ionic compound that forms pale green crystals. EsCl3 is typically synthesized via the reaction of einsteinium(III) oxide with hydrogen chloride gas at elevated temperatures.
Einsteinium(III) chloride adopts a structure characteristic of many actinide trichlorides. It crystallizes in the hexagonal UCl3-type structure (space group P63/m) with 9-coordinate Es3+ ions. The lattice parameters are dependent on the specific isotope of einsteinium used and the temperature at which the measurements are taken.
Due to the intense radioactivity and scarcity of einsteinium, EsCl3 is primarily used in scientific research to study the chemical and physical properties of transuranic elements. Its high radioactivity necessitates specialized handling equipment and procedures.
Einsteinium(III) chloride is hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air to form hydrates. The study of the hydration and complexation behavior of einsteinium(III) chloride is limited by the challenges associated with handling such a radioactive material in microgram quantities.