Plutonium, Americium, and Curium ions (Pu³⁺, Am³⁺, Cm³⁺)

The Plutonium (Pu), Americium (Am), and Curium (Cm) ions are radioactive metal cations belonging to the actinide series. All are synthetic elements, intensely radioactive with multiple isotopes; they are primarily encountered as environmental contaminants due to nuclear fuel processing, accidents, or improper waste disposal. Their ions (most stable in oxidation state +3) readily bind to biological molecules, especially in bone and liver, posing significant health hazards, including cancer and tissue destruction. They have no natural biological function or therapeutic relevance, but are targets of chelation therapy in cases of contamination. Their grouping as a single molecular target is incorrect; each ion is a distinct chemical entity.

Other names

Plutonium ionplutonium(III)plutonium(IV)Pu ionAmericium ionamericium(III)americium(IV)Am ionCurium ioncurium(III)Cm ion

Chelation/complexation: Drugs bind to these ions, increasing their excretion from the body