At the edge of the periodic table, work in accelerator facilities and specialized chemistry labs probes how superheavy elements behave in brief, high-energy conditions. Studying those short-lived species helps map trends in bonding and stability that extend our understanding of heavier elements.
There are 10 Nihonium Compounds, ranging from Nihonium atom to Nihonium–gold cluster. For each, you’ll find below Formula,Status,Key property (units) so you can quickly compare predicted compositions, experimental confirmations, and a key measured or calculated property. Details are organized for easy scanning — see the list you’ll find below.
How are Nihonium compounds synthesized and detected?
Nihonium compounds are produced in tiny quantities via heavy-ion fusion reactions that create the element, often followed immediately by reactions with target materials or ligands. Detection relies on correlated decay chains, rapid chromatography, and spectroscopic signatures measured on millisecond-to-second timescales; reproducibility is limited by production rates and instrumentation.
How much confidence can we place in the reported properties?
Confidence varies: some entries are experimentally confirmed (low-statistics but direct), while others are theoretical predictions based on relativistic quantum chemistry. Treat status labels as essential context—“confirmed” means observed in multiple setups, whereas “predicted” indicates computational consensus that still awaits experimental validation.
Nihonium Compounds
| Name | Formula | Status | Key property (units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nihonium atom | Nh | Experimental — observed as single atoms in gas‑phase chemistry | Adsorption on Au surface (experimentally observed) |
| Nihonium–gold (adsorbed) | NhAu (adsorbed) | Experimental — inferred from gas‑phase adsorption studies on gold | Adsorption behavior on Au (experimentally inferred) |
| Nihonium–gold cluster | NhAu3 | Theoretical — peer‑reviewed adsorption modeling on gold surfaces | Predicted adsorption energy modeling (qualitative) |
| Nihonium monofluoride | NhF | Theoretical — relativistic quantum‑chemical predictions | Predicted stable diatomic; Nh oxidation +1 |
| Nihonium trifluoride | NhF3 | Theoretical — predicted in relativistic studies | Predicted +3 oxidation state less stable than +1 |
| Nihonium trichloride | NhCl3 | Theoretical — peer‑reviewed predictions of halides | Predicted trivalent chloride; +3 less favored than +1 |
| Nihonium hydroxide | NhOH | Theoretical — predicted by relativistic calculations | Predicted +1 hydroxide analogous to TlOH |
| Nihonium hydride | NhH | Theoretical — peer‑reviewed quantum‑chemical predictions | Predicted monovalent hydride; Nh oxidation +1 |
| Nihonium oxide | NhO | Theoretical — predicted diatomic oxide in literature | Predicted diatomic oxide; variable oxidation predicted |
| Nihonium cation | Nh+ | Theoretical — predicted gas‑phase ionic species | Predicted dominant +1 ionic form in gas phase |
Images and Descriptions
Nihonium atom
Single nihonium atoms were detected in gas‑phase chemical experiments by adsorption on gold surfaces. This direct experimental observation reveals surface binding and volatility trends; confidence in the adsorption evidence is high, though chemical speciation beyond the atom is limited.
Nihonium–gold (adsorbed)
Gas‑phase chemistry experiments infer nihonium binds to gold surfaces, effectively forming Nh–Au interactions during transport and detection. This experimental result is central to nihonium chemistry, indicating measurable gold affinity under the low‑count conditions of transactinide chemistry.
Nihonium–gold cluster
Relativistic quantum‑chemical studies model Nh interacting with small gold clusters (e.g., NhAu3) to mimic surface adsorption. These peer‑reviewed models help interpret experiments and predict binding strength; confidence is good within theoretical limits and surface‑model approximations.
Nihonium monofluoride
Calculations predict a diatomic nihonium fluoride with Nh largely in a +1 state, reflecting strong relativistic effects. Peer‑reviewed studies suggest NhF is chemically plausible; confidence is moderate, awaiting experimental confirmation which is challenging.
Nihonium trifluoride
NhF3 is predicted by several relativistic calculations but with the +3 oxidation state less favored than +1. Peer‑reviewed work suggests NhF3 could exist in theory, though its stability is lower and experimental detection unlikely with current production rates.
Nihonium trichloride
Relativistic theoretical work predicts a trichloride analogue, NhCl3, but with reduced stability compared with lighter congeners. Peer‑reviewed studies indicate formation is possible in computations, though Nh likely prefers lower oxidation states in practice.
Nihonium hydroxide
Calculations suggest a nihonium hydroxide (NhOH) with Nh in a +1 state, analogous to thallium hydroxide behavior. Peer‑reviewed results indicate this species is chemically reasonable, though experimental observation remains out of reach presently.
Nihonium hydride
Relativistic studies predict a monohydride where nihonium behaves largely monovalently, similar to heavier group‑13 trends. Theoretical confidence is moderate; experimental detection is highly challenging due to production limits.
Nihonium oxide
NhO has been considered in peer‑reviewed relativistic calculations as a simple oxide with possible multiple bonding scenarios. Predictions are tentative but help map Nh reactivity; experimental confirmation is currently lacking.
Nihonium cation
Quantum calculations predict that Nh commonly forms a +1 cation in the gas phase, reflecting strong relativistic stabilization of the valence shell. This ionic behavior underpins many theoretical compound predictions and is supported across peer‑reviewed studies.
