Actinium(III) Oxide
Actinium(III) oxide is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Ac2O3. It is a rare earth metal oxide and is highly radioactive due to the presence of actinium, which is itself a highly unstable element. The compound is generally obtained by reacting actinium metal or its compounds with oxygen at high temperatures.
Actinium(III) oxide is a white or pale yellow powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in strong acids. The compound has a cubic crystal structure and belongs to the space group Ia-3. Its lattice parameter is 10.361 Å.
Actinium(III) oxide is used primarily for research purposes, given the rarity and radioactivity of actinium. It has been investigated as a potential fuel for nuclear reactors and as a radiation source for cancer therapy. However, due to its high cost and limited availability, it is not widely used in these applications.
It should be noted that actinium(III) oxide is highly toxic and radioactive, and should only be handled by trained professionals using appropriate safety precautions.