Thanks for the responses on my question but perhaps I could say a
little more by way of explanation.
Although I am sure that I will find that the isotopes of Tc have low
binding energy and that the odd/odd ratios etc. do not favor
stability of Tc isotopes I dont think this will explain why Tc sticks
out 'like a sore thumb' as the only element with atomic number less
than say 60 that behaves in this way. And its atomic number is not
even close to 60.
I suppose I am looking for a more qualitative or perhaps a causal
explanation rather than merely confirming what is already known by
substituting values into equations.
Or am I merely a poor deluded chemist wanting to see matters in terms
of elements characterized by Z values rather than treating isotopes
as the basic units?
Incidentally there is a whole story to tell on this point, some of
which I recount in the book which is mainly an examination of the
extent to which physics does or does not explain the periodic table.
regards,
eric scerri
------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
The Periodic Table: Its Story and Its Significance, by Eric Scerri,
Oxford University Press, 2006.
"An absolutely gorgeous book. I put it on my bedside table
and then stayed up half the night reading it - it is immensely
readable."
---Oliver Sacks, author of The Man Who Mistook his Wife
for a Hat, Awakenings etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------
Dr. Eric Scerri
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry,
Charles Young Drive,
Los Angeles,
CA 90095-1569.