Protactinium is a very rare metallic chemical element that belongs to the actinides group of the periodic table. Because it is extremely rare, toxic, and short-lived, this element has few applications. The world’s supply of this metal is very limited at any given time, making samples very expensive; extraction processes to isolate the element are very expensive and require large amounts of ore.
When isolated, protactinium reveals itself to be a silvery metal that is highly ductile and easy to work with. The metal is also extremely toxic and radioactive, decaying quickly into actinium, a metallic chemical element. Protactinium’s chemical properties appear to be similar to those of uranium, a close relative on the periodic table. The symbol for this element is Pa, and it has an atomic number of 91.
William Crookes isolated this element in 1900, but it took another 13 years for the element to be identified. O.H. Göhring and Kasimir Fajans are frequently credited with discovering the element. After its short life, the element was given the name brevium, but it was later renamed protoactinium to reflect the product of the decay process, and it was finally shortened to protactinium in 1949.
This element is primarily used in experimental research. Some scientists believe they may be able to find a stable isotope that could be used in more specific applications, and the element could potentially yield a useful chain reaction. At extremely low temperatures, protactinium is also a superconductor.
Because protactinium is so uncommon, consumers are unlikely to come across it. People who work with the element are specially trained to handle it and deal with the various health risks it poses. The metal’s toxicity can damage organs and tissues, and because it is highly radioactive, it can cause a variety of radiation-related health problems, including radiation sickness and death. Because protactinium is only used in nuclear research, those who work with it are well aware of the precautions that must be taken.