(under subclass 1) Processes in which the compound comprises a metal which exhibits spontaneous nuclear disintegration with emission of radioactive particles, either as (1) the naturally unstable metal which has an atomic number of at least 84, or (2) a metal which has been treated to render an isotope thereof radioactive; see Glossary.
(1) Note. Compounds of the trans-actinide elements, i.e., those having atomic numbers greater than 103 will be found in this group of subclasses.
(2) Note. Patents wherein the claims are directed to making an element radioactive or to forming a different isotope of a radioactive element are classified in Class 376, Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems, and Elements, subclasses 156+ even when the element is in compound form.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
249+, for a radioactive compound, element or isotope, per se.
