The Madelung rule, Regge-like sequences and the conformal Lie algebra

Abstract

The two main group theoretical models related to the Periodic System of Chemical Elements are reviewed, in connection with the Madelung rule and the construction of orthonormal bases of states for the conformal Lie algebra so (2,4). Basing on discrepancies between the Madelung rule and chemical experience, a new approach to the conformal symmetry, currently in development, is described.