Overview
Francium is a highly unstable alkali metal produced only in trace amounts in nuclear decay chains and in particle accelerators.
Properties
It would exhibit chemical behavior similar to other group 1 metals but its short half life and scarcity make experimental chemistry nearly impossible.
Occurrence and Uses
No commercial uses exist; francium is of purely scientific interest for nuclear and atomic physics experiments.
Isotopes and Safety
All francium isotopes are highly radioactive with half lives measured in minutes or less; handling is limited to specialized research facilities with radiological controls.