The Three Types of Radon Compounds

Isotope Compounds

• Radon is a naturally-occurring gas that comes from radioactive minerals residing beneath the Earth's surface, according to the Integrated Environmental Management reference site. Though classified as a distinct element, radon is derived from other elements in the periodic table through a process called radioactive decay. Radioactive decay occurs when an element's atomic structure begins to break apart. This causes the formation of isotope structures. Radon isotopes form from the decay of uranium, thorium and actinium, other elements in the periodic table. Radon-222 forms when uranium atoms disintegrate. Radon 220 comes from thorium and radon-219 comes from actinium. In isotope form, radon becomes a solid particle material, which can attach itself to airborne dust particles.

Chemical Compounds

• In most cases, radon's radioactive properties cause the element to break down before it has a chance to combine with a nearby material, according to Chemistry Explained, a chemistry reference site. As a result, only a few elements can combine with radon to form a chemical compound. Highly reactive materials like fluoride and oxygen are capable of grabbing onto radon atoms to form fluoride and oxide compounds. Radon's inability to combine with most other elements is characteristic of noble gases, which are known for their highly stable atomic structures. In total, there are six noble gas elements: helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon and radon. Of the six, only radon, krypton and xenon are capable of forming chemical compounds with other elements.

Element Compounds

• The formation of radon from uranium makes it possible for radon to decay and form other elements within the periodic table. According to Chemistry Explained, elements derived from radon decay processes include lead, bismuth and polonium. What happens within this progression is the disintegration of larger atoms (uranium and radium) into smaller atoms (radon, lead, polonium and bismuth). In essence, the effects of radioactive decay result when pieces (such as electrons, protons or neutron) of an element's atomic structure separate from the atom's nucleus. When this happens, a new atomic structure takes its place. This process creates smaller-sized elements with their own distinct structure.