Properties of Deuterium
Deuterium may have different kinetic isotope effects than hydrogen, and the physical and chemical properties of deuterium compounds differ from those of hydrogen compounds. For example, D2O (heavy water) is more viscous and heavier than H2O (normal water).
Heavy water is approximately 10% denser than normal water, sufficient for the ice formed from heavy water to sink in normal water.
Differences in bond energies and lengths of isotopes of heavy hydrogen are greater than isotope differences for any other element. Bonds between deuterium and tritium are stronger than those with normal hydrogen, these differences being sufficient to cause significant changes in biological reactions.
Thus, heavy water is toxic to eukaryotic organisms. A replacement of 25% of the water in the organism with heavy water causes problems with cell division and reproduction, and a replacement of 50% causes death.
Uses of DeuteriumDeuterium is known also as heavy hydrogen, due to its larger molecular mass. From the combination of deuterium with oxygen results in heavy water (D2O), which in increased quantities has negative biological effects.
Heavy water was first produced in 1932, a few months after the discovery of deuterium. With the discovery of nuclear fission … Read more
