Chemical Identification of a Long-Lived Isotope of Dubnium, a Descendant of Element 115 Original Research Article

The recognition criterion for discovery of a new chemical element includes two aspects, the characterization properties and the assignment properties. In this paper, we will discuss the status of element 115 experiments that have been performed in Dubna, Russia, highlighting the characterization and assignment properties as they specifically relate to a recent experiment. After discussing the status of what is known about the decay properties of element 115 [Yu.Ts. Oganessian et al. Phys. Rev. C 72 (2005) Art. No 034611], observed previously using the Dubna Gas-Filled Recoil Separator, we will discuss the prior chemical studies that have been performed on the Db descendant of element 115 [S.N. Dmitriev et al. Mendeleev Commun.(1) (2005) 1–4]. Following the success of that experiment, some additional chemical information was desired. Two separation chemistries were then developed at LLNL and JINR. LLNL utilized reversed phase chromatography and JINR utilized anion exchange chromotography to perform not only +4/+5 separations, but also intra-group separations, where Nb-like and Ta-like fractions were eluted. The results from an experiment using these chemistries for the first time during December 2005 in Dubna, Russia, will be compared with prior chemical results. We will conclude with a discussion of possible enhancements to the work already performed and the current status of the future experimental plans.