Plutonium Dioxide

PuO₂

IUPAC: Plutonium(IV) oxide

CAS: 12059-95-9

Overview

Plutonium dioxide is used in mixed oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel and in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that power deep space probes.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Oxygen O 2 15.9990
Plutonium Pu 1 244.0000

Elemental Composition

O
Oxygen ×2
11.6%
Pu
Plutonium ×1
88.4%

Uses

  • • Nuclear fuel (MOX)
  • • RTG power source for space probes
  • • Nuclear weapons material

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Powers the Voyager probes, Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers via RTGs

Safety

  • ⚠ Radioactive
  • ⚠ Extremely toxic
  • ⚠ Nuclear proliferation concern

Structure

SMILES

O.O.[Pu]

Properties

Type
oxide
State
solid
Molar Mass
276.06 g/mol
Density
11.5000 g/cm³
Melting Point
2400.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
280.0853
TPSA
2.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
0.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Oxide

Al₂O₃

Antimony Trioxide

Sb₂O₃

Barium Oxide

BaO

Beryllium Oxide

BeO

Bismuth(III) Oxide

Bi₂O₃

Boron Trioxide

B₂O₃

Cadmium Oxide

CdO

Calcium Oxide

CaO

Carbon Dioxide

CO₂

Carbon Monoxide

CO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plutonium Dioxide?
Plutonium Dioxide (PuO₂) is a oxide compound with the IUPAC name Plutonium(IV) oxide.
What is the molecular weight of Plutonium Dioxide?
Plutonium Dioxide has a molar mass of 276.06 g/mol.
What state is Plutonium Dioxide at room temperature?
Plutonium Dioxide is a solid at room temperature.
Is Plutonium Dioxide organic or inorganic?
Plutonium Dioxide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Plutonium Dioxide?
Plutonium Dioxide (PuO₂) is composed of Oxygen (O), Plutonium (Pu).