Neodymium Fluoride, Neodymium (III) Fluoride, Neodymium Trifluoride, 13709-42-7

NEODYMIUM FLUORIDE (NEODYMIUM(III) FLUORIDE) 

Chemical Name: Neodymium(III) Fluoride / Neodymium Trifluoride
CAS Number: 13709-42-7
EC Number: 237-253-3
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Neodymium Fluoride (NdF₃) is the fluoride salt of neodymium in the +3 oxidation state. The compound adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type (LaF₃) crystal structure, where each Nd³⁺ ion is coordinated by 11 fluoride ions in a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry. This water-insoluble compound dissolves in mineral acids. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides ease of storage and handling. Neodymium Fluoride is used as a neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production, as a dopant in laser crystals (Nd:YLF), and in specialized optical applications.

Structural Features:

• Hexagonal tysonite-type (LaF₃) crystal structure

• 11-coordinate Nd³⁺ ions

• Insoluble in water

• Non-hygroscopic

• Characteristic pink-purple color

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Neodymium Fluoride is a characteristic pink-purple colored, odorless crystalline powder with a density of approximately 6.5 g/cm³ and a melting point of ~1,374°C. It is insoluble in water but soluble in hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acids. It adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure and is non-hygroscopic. The compound exhibits paramagnetic properties and is thermally stable at high temperatures.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Neodymium Fluoride is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It dissolves in strong, hot concentrated acids (hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric acid). Its insolubility in hydrofluoric acid is due to the common ion effect. It is insoluble in alkalis. This solubility profile makes it a stable material in fluoride-containing environments.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Neodymium Fluoride is a thermally stable compound. It is resistant to oxidation in air. It reacts with hot concentrated acids to form neodymium(III) salts. Due to the fluoride ion, it exhibits weakly basic properties. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides long-term storage and handling advantages.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Acid Dissolution:
NdF₃ + 3HCl → NdCl₃ + 3HF
NdF₃ + 3HNO₃ → Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3HF

Nd Metal Production (Calcium Reduction):
2NdF₃ + 3Ca → 2Nd + 3CaF₂

Synthesis (Precipitation):
Nd³⁺ + 3F⁻ → NdF₃ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Neodymium Fluoride is manufactured in various grades from technical to high purity (≥ 99.9% - 99.999%). High purity grades (99.99% and above) are essential for optical, laser, and electronic applications. Technical grades are suitable for metallurgical and magnet production applications. Particle size can be customized based on application requirements.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Nd-Fe-B Magnet Production (Most Important Application)

Neodymium Fluoride is an important neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production. It is converted to neodymium metal via calcium reduction or used directly in alloy production. High purity and low oxygen content are critical for magnet performance.

6.2. Laser Crystals and Optical Applications

Neodymium Fluoride is used in the production of Nd:YLF (neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride) laser crystals. Nd:YLF crystals offer longer fluorescence lifetime and better thermal properties compared to Nd:YAG. It is also used in fluoride-based optical glass production for UV transmittance and refractive index control.

6.3. Vacuum Coating and Thin Film Systems

6.4. Scintillation Detectors

6.5. Defense and Spectroscopic Systems

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Neodymium salt

• Pink-purple fluoride crystal

• Nd-Fe-B precursor

• Laser dopant fluoride

• Rare earth fluoride

• Neodymium trifluoride

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Nd³⁺ + 3HF → NdF₃ ↓ + 3H⁺
or
Nd₂O₃ + 6HF → 2NdF₃ ↓ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States, Russia, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNING: Neodymium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. Chronic exposure may lead to fluoride accumulation in bones and teeth. Although neodymium itself has low toxicity, the fluoride ion requires careful handling. It is toxic to aquatic organisms.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Neodymium Fluoride is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment must be prevented during transport. It must be labeled as a marine pollutant.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Neodymium Fluoride is registered in all major industrial markets including the EU, USA, China, and Japan. KKDİK registration is also required in Turkey. It is classified under customs tariff code 2846.90.00.00.19.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation (use closed systems, local exhaust ventilation)

• Avoid skin and eye contact (use protective gloves and safety goggles)

• Avoid inhalation of dust (use dust mask or respirator)

• Avoid contact with acids (may produce toxic HF gas)

• Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed

• Prevent release into the environment

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Neodymium Fluoride is not a flammable substance. In case of fire, toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form in the area where the material is present. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing must be used during fire-fighting.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. The material should be contained to prevent dust dispersion and cleaned up using vacuum or sweeping, then placed in an appropriate disposal container. Environmental release must be prevented, and waste disposed according to local regulations.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

SPECIAL NOTES:

• In case of ingestion, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate may be required (fluoride poisoning)

• Medical personnel should be informed about fluoride exposure

• Calcium metabolism may be affected due to fluoride ions

18. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

18.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

18.2. Downstream Products

19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Neodymium Fluoride (NdF₃, CAS 13709-42-7) is a bright pink-purple, odorless inorganic powder with a molecular weight of 201.24 g/mol, density of approximately 6.5 g/cm³, and melting point of ~1,374°C. It has a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure, is insoluble in water but soluble in hot concentrated acids. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides long-term storage and handling advantages.

Its most important application is as a neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production. It is also used as a dopant in Nd:YLF laser crystals, in optical glass production for UV transmittance and refractive index control, as an evaporation source in vacuum coating systems, and in scintillation detectors.

According to GHS classification, it bears GHS07 (warning) and GHS09 (environment) hazard symbols. It is harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, and is toxic to aquatic life. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Contact with strong acids must be avoided as toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form. Shelf life is 36 months.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE: GHS07 and GHS09 labels

• HARMFUL: Harmful if swallowed (H302)

• IRRITANT: Skin and eye irritation (H315, H319)

• RESPIRATORY: Respiratory tract irritation (H335)

• ENVIRONMENT: Toxic to aquatic life (H411)

• UN 3077: Environmentally hazardous substance

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated

• INCOMPATIBLE: Strong acids (produces HF gas)

• ECOTOXIC: Marine pollutant

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Neodymium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride poisoning. Chronic exposure may lead to bone and dental fluorosis. Calcium metabolism may be affected.

2. ACID REACTIVITY: Contact with acids must be strictly avoided. Reaction with strong mineral acids produces toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas. HF is an extremely toxic and corrosive gas.

3. Nd-Fe-B MAGNET PRODUCTION: Neodymium Fluoride is an important neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production. High purity and low oxygen content are critical for magnet performance.

4. Nd:YLF LASER APPLICATIONS: High purity (99.99% and above) is required for Nd:YLF laser crystal production. Trace impurities directly affect laser performance (efficiency, lifetime, thermal properties).

5. UN 3077 CLASSIFICATION: Classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077 and is a marine pollutant. Release into the environment during transport and disposal must be strictly prevented.

6. NON-HYGROSCOPIC: Its non-hygroscopic nature provides storage and handling advantages compared to other rare earth fluorides. This property is beneficial for long-term stockpiling and applications that are not moisture-sensitive.

7. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19. Correct classification is essential for international trade, with potential country-specific restrictions for rare earth compounds.

8. COMPARED TO Nd₂O₃: Compared to Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃), the fluoride form provides lower oxygen contamination in magnet production and is directly usable for Nd:YLF laser crystals.

9. CALCIUM METABOLISM: Fluoride ions form insoluble calcium fluoride complexes with calcium in the body. In case of ingestion, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate administration may be necessary.

10. PARTICLE SIZE CONTROL: Particle size and distribution are critical for optical and laser applications. Customizable particle sizes in the 1-10 µm range ensure homogeneous mixing and process control.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Neodymium Fluoride. Due to its fluoride toxicity, a detailed risk assessment should be conducted prior to use.