Plutonium-241 is a radioactive isotope of plutonium with a half-life of about 14.4 years. It is produced in nuclear reactors through the absorption of neutrons by plutonium-240. This isotope decays primarily by beta emission, transforming into americium-241, which is also radioactive. Due to its properties, plutonium-241 is used in various applications, including nuclear fuel and in the production of nuclear weapons. Its relatively short half-life makes it less stable than other isotopes of plutonium, leading to considerations for safe handling and storage in nuclear facilities.