Nihonium (Nh): synthetic element 113

Discovery and naming

Nihonium was first reported by researchers in Japan who produced it in tiny quantities by bombarding heavy targets with accelerated ion beams. The RIKEN research institute's work in the early 2000s is widely credited for the element's discovery. The chosen name, "nihonium," derives from the Japanese name for Japan; details of the name origin are summarized at name origin and the native characters are shown at Japanese name 日本. The name and the symbol Nh were adopted following international review.

How it is made and detected

Nihonium does not occur in nature and is produced only in particle accelerators by nuclear fusion reactions or observed in decay chains from heavier nuclides. Typical experiments detect single atoms through their characteristic radioactive decays. In some sequences nihonium appears as a product of alpha decay of heavier elements such as moscovium; see an outline at moscovium decay. For more on artificial synthesis methods, consult artificially produced.

Predicted properties and chemistry

Only a small number of atoms of nihonium have ever been produced, so bulk physical properties are unknown. Based on its position in group 13, chemists predict it will show some similarities to thallium and other post-transition metals but with important differences caused by strong relativistic effects. These effects can alter orbital energies and therefore oxidation states, making some chemical behaviors atypical; authoritative summaries discuss these expectations at behavior predictions.

Uses, importance, and notable facts

There are no practical or commercial applications for nihonium due to its extreme radioactivity and the minute number of atoms produced. Its importance is primarily scientific: the element provides insight into nuclear reactions, the limits of the periodic table, and relativistic effects on chemistry. Notable facts include that it was among the first elements formally named to honor the country where the discovery team worked and that experiments rely on detecting individual atoms and brief decay sequences.

• Group: 13 (boron group, post-transition area)
• Symbol: Nh
• Occurrence: wholly synthetic; produced in laboratories only
• Applications: none outside scientific research