Uranyl acetate

Uranyl acetate
IUPAC name	Uranium bis(acetato)-O)dioxo-dihydrate
Identifiers
CAS number	541-09-3 Y,(anhydrous) [6159-44-0] (dihydrate)
Properties
Molecular formula	UO2(CH3COO)2 (anhydrous) UO2(CH3COO)2·2H2O (dihydrate)
Molar mass	424.146 g/mol (dihydrate)
Appearance	yellow crystals (dihydrate)
Density	2.89 g/cm3 (dihydrate)
Melting point	decomposes at 80°C (dihydrate)
Solubility	slightly soluble in ethanol[1]
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Uranyl acetate (UO₂(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O) is a yellow free-flowing crystalline solid of yellow rhombic crystals with a slight acetic odor. This reagent is a nuclear fuel derivative, and thus its use and possession are sanctioned by international law.

It is used as a negative stain in electron microscopy. In fact, most procedures in electron microscopy for biology require the use of uranyl acetate. In the negative staining method 1 or 2% aqueous solution is normally being used. One of the most advantage of the type of staining is its simplicity, one can examine the sample within a few minutes after staining. Some biological samples may be adversely affected by uranyl acetate staining and, in these cases, a low voltage electron microscopy technique may be more suitable due to the improved resolution of low atomic number materials.

1% and 2% uranyl acetate solutions are used as an indicator, and a titrant in stronger concentrations in analytical chemistry, as it forms an insoluble salt with sodium (the vast majority of sodium salts are water-soluble). Uranyl acetate solutions show evidence of being sensitive to light, especially UV and will precipitate if exposed.

Uranyl acetate is also used in a standard test—American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Designation T 299—for alkali-silica reactivity in aggregates (crushed stone or gravel) being considered for use in cement concrete.

Commercial preparations of uranyl acetate are made from depleted uranium and have a typical radioactivity of 0.37 - 0.51 µCi/g. This mild radioactivity level is not sufficient to be harmful while the material remains external to the body. However it is very toxic by ingestion and if inhaled as dust or by skin contact if skin is cut or abraded and there is a danger of cumulative effects from long term exposure.

References

External links

• Uranium Facts

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