- Plutonium hydride is a pyrophoric compound, meaning it can ignite spontaneously in air.
- It has a metallic appearance and is relatively stable in dry environments.
- PuH2 is used in some types of nuclear reactor fuels.
2. Plutonium Halides:
- Plutonium forms a variety of halides, including PuF3, PuF4, PuCl3, and PuBr3.
- These compounds are typically ionic and have high melting points.
- They are used in various nuclear processes and as starting materials for other plutonium compounds.
3. Plutonium Oxides:
- Plutonium oxides are some of the most common and important compounds of plutonium.
- Plutonium dioxide (PuO2) is a black, cubic crystalline compound that is very stable and has a high melting point.
- It is used in some types of nuclear reactor fuels and as a starting material for other plutonium compounds.
- Other plutonium oxides include Pu2O3, PuO, and Pu2O5.
4. Plutonium Nitrates:
- Plutonium nitrates, such as plutonium nitrate (Pu(NO3)4), are water-soluble compounds.
- They are often used in aqueous solutions for various nuclear processes and as starting materials for other plutonium compounds.
5. Plutonium Carbides:
- Plutonium carbides, such as plutonium carbide (PuC), are hard, ceramic-like materials.
- They have high melting points and are often used as nuclear fuels or as components in high-temperature nuclear reactors.
6. Plutonium Borides:
- Plutonium borides, such as plutonium boride (PuB), are hard, refractory compounds.
- They have high melting points and are used in some types of nuclear reactor fuels and as materials in nuclear instrumentation.
7. Organoplutonium Compounds:
- Organoplutonium compounds are compounds that contain both carbon atoms and plutonium atoms.
- They are typically synthesized using organometallic chemistry techniques and are of interest for their potential applications in nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals.