Berkelium(IV) oxide explained

Berkelium(IV) oxide, also known as berkelium dioxide, is a chemical compound with the formula BkO₂. This compound slowly decays to californium(IV) oxide.^[1] It can be converted to berkelium(III) oxide by hydrogen reduction at 600 °C.^[2]

2BkO₂ + H₂ → Bk₂O₃ + H₂O

Production

Berkelium(IV) oxide is produced by burning berkelium metal in air at 1200 °C. It can also be produced by reacting berkelium(III) oxide with oxygen at 600 °C.

Notes and References

1. Book: U.S Atomic Energy Commission. Division of Plans and Reports . Fundamental Nuclear Energy Research . 1972 . the University of Michigan . 100 . English.
2. Peterson. J.. Crystal structures and lattice parameters of the compounds of berkelium I. Berkelium dioxide and cubic berkelium sesquioxide. Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry Letters. 3. 9. 327–336. 1967. 10.1016/0020-1650(67)80037-0.