Berkelocene: A Novel Organometallic Molecule with Berkelium Discovered

Scientists from the University at Buffalo and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have unveiled the first characterized organometallic molecule containing berkelium, named "berkelocene." This breakthrough, published in *Science*, marks the first confirmed chemical bond between berkelium and carbon. Organometallic molecules, common for early actinides like uranium, were previously scarce for later actinides such as berkelium. Stefan Minasian from Berkeley Lab's Chemical Sciences Division, emphasized the discovery's significance in understanding the behavior of berkelium and other actinides. Jochen Autschbach, from the University at Buffalo, conducted electronic structure calculations that revealed berkelocene's unique behavior compared to lanthanides. This challenges established assumptions about the chemical and physical properties of transplutonium elements. The findings could potentially lead to advancements in nuclear chemistry and materials science.