Description
Radium chloride, RaCl2, was the first radium
compound to be prepared in a pure state and was the
basis of Marie Curie’s original separation of radium
from Barium. The first preparation of radium metal
was by the electrolysis of a solution of radium chloride
using a mercury cathode. The structure remains
unknown.
Radium chloride is soluble and crystallizes from solution
as the dihydrate.
RaCl2 is used to produce radon gas that in turn is
used as a cancer treatment in medicine. This compound
is not offered for sale to the general public.
Chemical Properties
radium chloride is yellowish-white crystals becoming yel- low or pink on standing. Radiactive. Soluble in water and alcohol.
Physical properties
radium chloride is a white solid having a blue-green luminescence, especially when heated. It is less soluble in water than other alkaline earth chlorides, a fact which is used in the first stages of the separation of radium from barium by fractional crystallization. It is only sparingly soluble in azeotropic HCl (20.2% HCl) and virtually insoluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Uses
Radium chloride (RaCl2) has the same use as radium bromide.
Uses
In physical research. In radiography of metals because the penetration of gamma rays is more pronounced than that of x-rays. As source of radon. No longer used to make luminous paints.
