Synthesis and Study of the New Superheavy Elements of D.I. Mendeleev Periodic Table of the Elements

In the sixties of the XX century, the possibility of existence of the region of increased stability of superheavy nuclei in the vicinity of Z | 114 and N | 184 was proved. For the first time a successful synthesis of superheavy elements was carried out in the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). Superheavy elements of D.I. Mendeleev Periodic Table of the Elements with atomic numbers 114–118 were synthesized in the fusion reactions of the nuclei of the transuranic elements with calcium-48 nuclei. The article deals with the choice of reactions for the synthesis of new elements, methods of studying their nuclear-physical and chemical properties. The experimental complex “Factory of superheavy elements” created in JINR and prospects of further research development are described.