Einsteinium nucleus are obtained on cyclotron bombardment of Uranium, Berkelium or Californium by accelerated ions of Nitrogen, Helium or Deuterium, respectively. 253Es and 254Es is produced in nuclear reactors during long bombardment of Plutonium, Curium or Californium. The first Einsteinium had been produced by simultaneous neutron trapping by Uranium with consequent β--decay.
238U92 + 15n -> 253U92 --(7β-)--> 253Es99
In total, in the USA, only 2mg of 253Es produced annually. Einsteinium is separated by sorption and extraction techniques. Einsteinium metal is obtained by reduction of EsF3 by vapor lithium. |