Status of the translawrencium elements (Z > 103)

As a result of conflicting claims to the discovery of the trans-lawrencium elements (Z > 103), IUPAC's Inorganic Chemistry Nomenclature Commission, (II.2), has been incapable of coming to a decision on rightful discoverer for these elements. In addition, the Atomic Weights Commission, (II.1), has from time to time been interested in the status of the search for the superheavy elements, i.e., those elements which might be found in the vicinity of the 'island of stability'. Theoretical studies have indicated that the next major shell closures beyond Z = 82 and N = 126 would occur at Z = 114 and N = 184. In recent years, many scientists have devoted their time and effort in an attempt to detect these superheavy elements. This paper will review the literature on both of these developments and provide an up-to-date status report for the use of the Commission. However, this paper will not address the pros and cons of the controversial systematic naming scheme proposed by the Nomenclature Commission, (II.2) and approved by IUPAC. 56 refs