The Most Massive Molecule - Periodic Table of Videos

Summary

This video explores the theoretical possibility of the heaviest possible five-atom molecule, organesson tetratenocide, composed of element 118 and tenocine 117. It delves into computational chemistry to answer whether this molecule could be stable and what shape it might take. The script highlights the computational challenge due to the molecule's 586 electrons and the need to consider relativistic effects. Interestingly, calculations suggest a tetrahedral shape, contrary to expectations based on xenon tetrachloride's square shape. The video underscores the importance of such theoretical explorations in refining computational techniques and our understanding of super heavy elements.

Takeaways

• 🧪 The heaviest possible molecule with five atoms is organesson tetratenocide, a theoretical molecule combining element 118 (organesson) with four atoms of tennessine (element 117).
• 🔬 Although atoms of organesson and tennessine have been made, they have never been produced simultaneously, making the creation of this molecule purely theoretical.
• ⚗️ Two key questions addressed computationally are whether organesson would react with tennessine to form stable bonds and what the shape of the molecule would be if it were to exist.
• 🌐 Xenon, which is next to iodine in the periodic table and doesn't react with iodine, provides a basis for questioning the stability of organesson tetratenocide.
• 📊 Computational challenges arise due to the molecule's 586 electrons and the need to account for relativistic effects when electrons move at speeds close to the speed of light.
• 🔢 Without considering relativistic effects, organesson tetratenocide appears to be unstable, but with these effects included, it becomes stable enough to potentially form.
• 📐 Contrary to initial expectations based on xenon tetrachloride's square shape, computations suggest that organesson tetratenocide would likely adopt a tetrahedral shape.
• 🤔 The importance of such theoretical calculations lies in refining computational techniques, which can lead to better predictions and understanding of chemical behavior.
• 🏆 The journal 'Dramatic Digits in Chemistry' for 2021 highlighted the 586 electrons in organesson tetratenocide, indicating recognition of the molecule's significance in the field.
• 🌍 The video script mentions previous videos about super heavy elements, including visits to Russia, the United States, and Germany, with links provided for further exploration.

Q & A

What is the heaviest possible molecule that can be formed with five atoms?

The heaviest possible molecule with five atoms is organesson tetratenocide, which consists of organesson element 118 and four atoms of tenocine 117.

Is the molecule organesson tetratenocide purely theoretical or has it been synthesized?

Organesson tetratenocide is purely theoretical. Although atoms of organesson and tenocine have been made, they have never been created at the same time to form this molecule.

What are the two interesting questions that can be tackled using computation regarding organesson tetratenocide?

The two questions are: 1) Will organesson actually react with tenocine to form a stable molecule, and 2) What shape would the molecule be, such as a tetrahedron or a square?

Why is it difficult to predict the stability and shape of organesson tetratenocide?

The difficulty arises due to the large number of electrons (586) involved in the molecule, which makes computational challenges significant, and the need to consider relativistic effects due to the high speed of electrons approaching the speed of light.

What is the weight of organesson tetratenocide compared to the lightest stable five-atom molecule, methane?

Organesson tetratenocide would weigh approximately 1470 units, which is about 92 times heavier than methane (CH4), the lightest stable five-atom molecule.

What are relativistic effects and why are they important in the calculations of organesson tetratenocide?

Relativistic effects are a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity, where electrons traveling at speeds close to the speed of light become much heavier. They are important in calculations because they can significantly influence the stability and bonding of atoms in super heavy molecules like organesson tetratenocide.

What does the computational study suggest about the stability of organesson tetratenocide with and without considering relativistic effects?

Without considering relativistic effects, organesson tetratenocide appears to be unstable and would not easily bond together. However, when relativistic effects are included, the molecule is found to be stable, although not enormously so.

What shape does computational modeling suggest for organesson tetratenocide?

The computational calculations suggest that organesson tetratenocide would likely have a tetrahedral shape, with the organesson in the middle and the four tenocines around it.

Why is it important to perform calculations on a molecule like organesson tetratenocide that may never be synthesized?

It is important because it helps refine computational techniques, which can lead to better predictions and understanding of molecular structures and behaviors, even for molecules that are unlikely to be made.

What recognition did the molecule organesson tetratenocide receive in the journal's 'dramatic digits in chemistry'?

Organesson tetratenocide was featured in the journal's 'dramatic digits in chemistry' for having 586 electrons, which is a significant number contributing to its computational complexity and interest.