The series of elements beginning with actinium (atomic number 89) and including thorium, protactinium, uranium, and the transuranium elements through the element lawrencium (atomic number 103). These elements have a strong chemical resemblance to the lanthanide, or rare-earth, elements of atomic numbers 57 to 71. Their atomic numbers, names, and chemical symbols are: 89, actinium (Ac), the prototype element, sometimes not included as an actual member of the actinide series; 90, thorium (Th); 91, protactinium (Pa); 92, uranium (U); 93, neptunium (Np); 94, plutonium (Pu); 95, americium (Am); 96, curium (Cm); 97, berkelium (Bk); 98, californium (Cf); 99, einsteinium (Es); 100, fermium (Fm); 101, mendelevium (Md); 102, nobelium (No); 103, lawrencium (Lr). Except for thorium and uranium, the actinide elements are not present in nature in appreciable quantities. The transuranium elements were discovered and investigated as a result of their synthesis in nuclear reactions. All are radioactive and except for thorium and uranium, weighable amounts must be handled with special precautions.
Most actinide elements have the following in common: trivalent cations which form complex ions and organic chelates; soluble sulfates, nitrates, halides, perchlorates, and sulfides; and acid-insoluble fluorides and oxalates. See also Actinium; Lawrencium; Periodic table; Protactinium; Transuranium elements; Uranium.
