Neodymium Oxide, Neodymium (III) Oxide, Neodymium Sesquioxide, 1313-97-9

Neodymium Oxide, Neodymium (III) Oxide, Neodymium Sesquioxide, 1313-97-9

NEODYMIUM OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Neodymium oxide is the oxide compound of the rare earth element neodymium. It consists of neodymium ions (Nd³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) in a 2:3 ratio. It is insoluble in water but dissolves readily in mineral acids to form neodymium salts. It has a hexagonal crystal structure and exhibits slight hygroscopicity.

Structural Features:

                    NEODYMIUM OXIDE [Nd₂O₃]
                          |
                Nd³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Hexagonal        Insoluble in     Dissolves in
    Crystal           Water          Mineral Acids
    Structure

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

• Reaction with Mineral Acids:
  Nd₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2NdCl₃ + 3H₂O
  Nd₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

• Carbonation in Humid Air:
  Nd₂O₃ + 3CO₂ + 3H₂O → Nd₂(CO₃)₃·3H₂O (slow process)

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Permanent Magnets (NdFeB)

6.2. Glass and Ceramics

6.3. Laser Crystals and Optoelectronics

6.4. Electronics and Energy

6.5. Defense and Aerospace

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
7.1. Raw Material Sources
Neodymium oxide is extracted from rare earth-bearing ores:

7.2. Production Process Flow

Neodymium-Containing Ore (Monazite / Bastnäsite)
         ↓
Acid Digestion / Alkali Decomposition
         ↓
Solvent Extraction (Separation of Rare Earths)
         ↓
Neodymium Precipitation (as Oxalate or Carbonate)
         ↓
Filtration and Washing
         ↓
Calcination (~800-900°C)
         ↓
Milling and Classification
         ↓
Neodymium Oxide Powder
         ↓
Packaging (Vacuum-sealed or under inert gas)

7.3. Process Stages

8. SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMPARISON WITH ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

11. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)

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

• Neodymium Oxide Powder

• Purple-Blue Glass Additive

• NdFeB Precursor

• Laser-Grade Oxide

• Neodymium Pigment Additive

• Neodymium(III) Oxide

• Neodymium Sesquioxide

19. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

20. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Hygroscopic and CO₂ Absorption: Neodymium oxide absorbs moisture and CO₂ over time, forming basic carbonate. This can reduce its reactivity and magnetic properties. Vacuum-sealed or inert atmosphere packaging is recommended.

• High Value: Neodymium is a critical and valuable rare earth element. Losses should be minimized and recycling options explored.

• Incompatibility: Reacts vigorously with strong mineral acids, generating heat. Always add acid to water, not the reverse.

• Health: Although toxicity is low, inhalation of fine dust should be avoided as it may cause respiratory irritation.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage:

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

  • Use vacuum-sealed or inert gas-purged containers.

  • Avoid exposure to humid and CO₂-rich environments.

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

• Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation.

  • Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • For dissolution in acids, use slow addition of oxide to acid with cooling and stirring.

• Waste Management:

  • Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.

  • Do not discharge into water sources.

  • For large quantities, rare earth recycling and recovery should be considered (economically viable).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, 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. Neodymium oxide is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance (UN 3077); appropriate precautions must be taken during handling and transport.