Applications of Isotopes to Chemical Problems

In the first part of this thesis is described research in nuclear physics on radioactive isotopes of barium, cesium, and bismuth. Isotopes of barium and cesium were chemically identified and their properties were determined. The second part consists of studies of exchange reactions involving the following radioactive elements: sulfur, phosphorus, bromine, iodine, and vanadium. Rate of reaction measurements were made. The kinetics of the exchanges were considered, and interpretation of the exchanges in terms of the structure and nature of the reactants was made where possible. The solution of a problem for the National Defense Research Committee, which is of a confidential nature, is submitted as the third part of this thesis. The fourth part contains miscellaneous studies. The structural parameters of thionyl bromide were determined by electron diffraction experiments. Experience was gained in rare earth inorganic chemistry by preparative work and observations on the very interesting bivalent state of europium.