Properties and Overview of Oganesson

Overview:

Oganesson (Og) is a synthetic chemical element with atomic number 118. It is part of the noble gas group in the periodic table but is expected to exhibit unique properties due to relativistic effects. Being a superheavy element, it is one of the most recently discovered and the heaviest elements recognized to date. Oganesson is named after Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian for his contributions to superheavy element research. Since only a few atoms of oganesson have ever been produced, its physical properties have largely been inferred through computational methods rather than direct observation. It is presumed to be a solid at room temperature due to relativistic effects, but its melting and boiling points remain uncertain. Due to its sizeable atomic mass, Oganesson is expected to have a higher density than any other element. Unlike lighter noble gases, oganesson may have more metallic properties because of the predicted collapse of its electron shells due to relativistic effects.
Despite being part of the noble gas group, oganesson is expected to behave quite differently from the other group members. Due to relativistic effects on its electron orbitals, it is likely more reactive than other noble gases such as xenon or radon. Theoretical studies suggest that oganesson might not form a stable monatomic gas and could tend to form bonds under certain conditions. It might also exhibit weak van der Waals forces, possibly forming weak interactions with other atoms or molecules.
Oganesson is not found naturally and exists only for extremely short periods as it rapidly decays into lighter elements. Because of this, no practical safety guidelines for handling exist, as the amount produced is minuscule and highly radioactive. Direct exposure would not be a realistic concern for the public or researchers, as it decays too quickly. However, handling this element in experimental settings would require significant precautions due to the intense radiation emitted by its isotopes.

Production:

Oganesson is produced synthetically in a laboratory through nuclear fusion reactions. It is typically created by bombarding heavier elements, such as Californium or berkelium, with calcium ions in particle accelerators. The production of oganesson is complicated due to the low probability of fusion and the rapid decay of the resulting atoms. So far, only a few atoms of oganesson have been synthesized since its first creation in 2002 by a team of Russian and American scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia.

Applications:

Given its extreme instability and the fact that only a few atoms have been produced, oganesson has no practical applications outside scientific research. Its primary value lies in advancing the understanding of nuclear physics, specifically in the area of superheavy elements. Studying oganesson and similar elements helps scientists explore the limits of the periodic table and test theories about atomic structure, nuclear stability, and relativistic effects.

Summary:

Oganesson is an element of scientific interest rather than practical use, and its production, properties, and behavior continue to be active research areas.

See a comprehensive list of atomic, electrical, mechanical, physical and thermal properties for oganesson below: