Theoretical α decay half-lives of the heaviest odd-$Z$ nuclei are calculated using the experimental $Q_{\alpha }$ value. The barriers in the quasimolecular shape path are determined within a Generalized Liquid Drop Model (GLDM) and the WKB approximation is used. The results are compared with calculations using the Density-Dependent M3Y (DDM3Y) effective interaction and the Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski (VSS) formulas. The calculations provide consistent estimates for the half-lives of the α decay chains of these superheavy elements. The experimental data stand between the GLDM calculations and VSS ones in the most time. Predictions are provided for the α decay half-lives of other superheavy nuclei within the GLDM and VSS approaches using the recent extrapolated $Q_{\alpha }$ of Audi, Wapstra, and Thibault [Nucl. Phys. A729, 337 (2003)], which may be used for future experimental assignment and identification.

• Received 31 May 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.76.047304