Lanthanum Bromide, Lanthanum (III) Bromide, 13536-79-3

LANTHANUM BROMIDE

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Lanthanum bromide is the bromide salt of lanthanum. Lanthanum ions (La³⁺) and bromide ions (Br⁻) are present in a 1:3 ratio. The compound crystallizes in a hexagonal (UCl₃ type) structure and is highly hygroscopic, readily absorbing moisture from the air. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and acids.

Structural Features:

                    LANTHANUM BROMIDE (LaBr₃)
                          |
                La³⁺ - Br⁻ Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Hexagonal         High                High
    Structure         Hygroscopicity      Solubility

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

Hydration (in moist air):

LaBr₃ + 7H₂O → LaBr₃·7H₂O

Reaction with Water (Hydrolysis):

LaBr₃ + 3H₂O → La(OH)₃ + 3HBr

Reaction with Alkali:

LaBr₃ + 3NaOH → La(OH)₃↓ + 3NaBr

6. APPLICATION AREAS

6.1. Scintillators and Radiation Detection (Most Important Application)

6.2. Optical Crystals

6.3. Research and Defense

6.4. Other Applications

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Raw Materials

Lanthanum bromide is produced from lanthanum compounds:

7.2. Production Process Flow

Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃) or Lanthanum Carbonate
         ↓
Reaction with Hydrobromic Acid (HBr)
         ↓
LaBr₃ Solution Formation
         ↓
Filtration → Purification
         ↓
Controlled Evaporation → Crystallization
         ↓
LaBr₃ Crystals
         ↓
Drying (under controlled conditions)
         ↓
Optional: Doping (Ce for scintillator grade)
         ↓
Packaging (Vacuum-sealed or under Argon)

7.3. Process Stages

8. SCINTILLATION PROPERTIES (LaBr₃:Ce)

9. ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS COMPARISON

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

11. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

12. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

13. FIRST AID MEASURES

14. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

15. PACKAGING OPTIONS

16. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

17. REGULATORY STATUS

18. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Lanthanum(III) Bromide

• Lanthanum Bromide

• LaBr₃

• Scintillation-grade Lanthanum Bromide

• Bromide Form Rare Earth Compound

• Lanthanum Tribromide

• LaBr₃:Ce (Cerium-doped, scintillation grade)

19. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

20. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

1. High Hygroscopicity: Lanthanum bromide is highly hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture from the air. Must be stored in vacuum-sealed or argon-purged containers. Handling must be performed in inert atmosphere.

2. Scintillation Grade Quality: For radiation detection applications, high purity (>99.99%) and cerium doping (LaBr₃:Ce) are essential for optimal scintillation performance.

3. Radiation Detection Performance: LaBr₃:Ce offers superior energy resolution (2.8-3.5% at 662 keV) and fast decay time (16 ns) compared to traditional NaI:Tl detectors.

4. Skin and Eye Irritation: Causes skin and eye irritation. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

5. Inhalation Hazard: Dust may cause respiratory irritation. Use in well-ventilated areas.

6. Moisture Sensitivity: Degrades rapidly in humid environments. Containers must be resealed immediately and stored with desiccant.

7. Cost: Scintillation-grade lanthanum bromide is a high-value material due to its superior performance in radiation detection.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area

• Use vacuum-sealed or argon-purged containers

• Store with desiccant

• Keep away from moisture and acids

• Store at room temperature (15-25°C)

Handling:

• Use in well-ventilated areas or glove boxes

• Use dust mask, protective goggles, and gloves

• Avoid dust formation

• Wash hands after handling

• Immediately reseal container after use

• Handle in inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen)

Waste Management:

• Dispose in accordance with local regulations

• Do not discharge into water bodies

• Consider rare earth recovery for large quantities

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Lanthanum bromide is a highly hygroscopic material; appropriate precautions must be taken during handling, especially for scintillation-grade applications.