Neodymium Nitrate, Neodymium Nitrate, Neodymium Nitrate Hexahydrate, 16454-60-7

NEODYMIUM NITRATE (NEODYMIUM(III) NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE) 

Chemical Name: Neodymium(III) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 16454-60-7
EC Number: 240-476-8
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Neodymium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Nd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of neodymium in the +3 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization. It is one of the most soluble neodymium compounds, readily dissolving in water and alcohols. The compound is highly hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers. It is widely used as a soluble neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production, as a precursor for laser crystals (Nd:YAG, Nd:YLF), in glass and ceramic additives, and in rare earth separation processes.

Structural Features:

• Monoclinic crystal structure

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• Highly water-soluble

• Light pink to purple-pink color

• Highly hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Neodymium Nitrate Hexahydrate is a light pink to purple-pink, highly hygroscopic crystalline powder with a density of approximately 2.6 g/cm³. It melts at ~60°C, dissolving in its own water of crystallization. It is highly soluble in water (~200 g/100 mL at 20°C) and soluble in alcohol. The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Neodymium Nitrate is one of the most soluble neodymium compounds. Its extremely high water solubility (~200 g/100 mL at 20°C) makes it an excellent precursor for aqueous processing. It is also soluble in alcohols, making it suitable for various organic-based applications.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Neodymium Nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials. Its high solubility makes it an ideal precursor for the preparation of other neodymium compounds via precipitation reactions. Upon heating, it decomposes to neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen (O₂).

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
Nd₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
4Nd(NO₃)₃ → 2Nd₂O₃ + 12NO₂↑ + 3O₂↑ (150-200°C)

Hydroxide Precipitation:
Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3NaOH → Nd(OH)₃ ↓ + 3NaNO₃

Oxalate Precipitation:
2Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂C₂O₄ → Nd₂(C₂O₄)₃ ↓ + 6HNO₃

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Neodymium Nitrate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for optical, laser, and electronic applications. Technical grades are suitable for metallurgical and glass additive applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

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

Neodymium Nitrate is an excellent soluble neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production due to its extremely high water solubility. It is readily converted to other neodymium compounds (oxide, hydroxide, carbonate) via precipitation routes, which are then used for neodymium metal production.

6.2. Laser Crystals and Optical Applications

Neodymium Nitrate is used as a high-purity neodymium source in the production of Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF laser crystals. Its high solubility allows for controlled doping levels in crystal growth processes.

6.3. Glass and Ceramic Applications

6.4. Rare Earth Separation and Purification

Neodymium Nitrate is widely used in rare earth separation processes, particularly in solvent extraction systems where its high solubility in aqueous phases is advantageous.

6.5. Pigment and Dye Applications

6.6. Laboratory and Research Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Neodymium nitrate salt

• Light pink crystalline powder

• Nd-Fe-B precursor

• Glass additive nitrate

• Neodymium trinitrate

• Rare earth nitrate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Nd₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
or
Nd₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Nd(NO₃)₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades (hexahydrate form)

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Neodymium Nitrate is a strong oxidizer (UN 1477) and may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. It must be stored away from reducing agents, flammable materials, and organic substances. It causes skin and eye irritation and respiratory tract irritation. Not classified as a carcinogen.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Neodymium Nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance (UN 1477, Class 5.1) . Transport must be conducted away from combustible and flammable materials. Proper labeling and packaging are required for international transport.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Neodymium Nitrate is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey. It is classified under customs tariff code 2846.90.00.00.19.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• CRITICAL: This compound is a strong oxidizer (UN 1477). Keep away from combustible materials.

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

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

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Store in airtight containers away from moisture

• Separate from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials

• Use under fume hood or with adequate ventilation

• Due to highly hygroscopic nature, handle in dry conditions

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Neodymium Nitrate is not flammable but is a strong oxidizer that may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. In case of fire, protective clothing and SCBA must be used. Thermal decomposition may release toxic nitrogen oxides and neodymium oxides.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Due to its oxidizing nature, avoid contact with combustible materials. Clean up using dry methods.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Nitrate salts can cause methemoglobinemia in cases of severe ingestion

• Medical personnel should be informed about nitrate salt exposure

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

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 Nitrate Hexahydrate (Nd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, CAS 16454-60-7) is a light pink to purple-pink, highly hygroscopic crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 438.37 g/mol and density of approximately 2.6 g/cm³. It is highly soluble in water (~200 g/100 mL at 20°C) and soluble in alcohols. It melts at ~60°C, dissolving in its own water of crystallization. Thermal decomposition yields neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) with the release of nitrogen dioxide and oxygen.

Its most important application is as a highly soluble neodymium source in Nd-Fe-B magnet production. It is also used as a precursor for Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF laser crystals, as a glass and ceramic additive for color and UV filtering, in rare earth separation processes, and as a laboratory reagent.

The compound is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477, Class 5.1) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. It causes skin and eye irritation and respiratory tract irritation. Due to its highly hygroscopic nature, it must be stored in airtight containers away from moisture. It must be stored separately from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials. Shelf life is 24 months under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• OXIDIZER: UN 1477, Class 5.1

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

• HIGHLY HYGROSCOPIC: Protect from moisture

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, away from combustibles

• INCOMPATIBLE: Combustible materials, reducing agents, organic substances

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

• ENVIRONMENTAL: Marine pollutant

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. STRONG OXIDIZER (UN 1477): Neodymium Nitrate is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477, Class 5.1). It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Store separately from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials. Do not store near heat or ignition sources.

2. EXTREMELY HIGH SOLUBILITY: With ~200 g/100 mL solubility at 20°C, Neodymium Nitrate is one of the most soluble neodymium compounds. This makes it ideal for aqueous processing, precipitation reactions, and solvent extraction.

3. HIGHLY HYGROSCOPIC: Neodymium Nitrate is highly hygroscopic and deliquescent. It must be stored in airtight containers and handled in dry conditions. Prolonged exposure to air can cause dissolution and loss of product integrity.

4. LASER APPLICATIONS: High purity (99.99% and above) is required for Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF laser crystal production. Trace impurities directly affect laser performance. Nitrate precursors offer high solubility for controlled doping levels.

5. THERMAL DECOMPOSITION: At 150-200°C, the compound decomposes to Nd₂O₃ with the release of toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen. Heating should be conducted with adequate ventilation to prevent NO₂ exposure.

6. 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.

7. RAINBOW TABLE (SOLVENT EXTRACTION): Neodymium Nitrate is widely used in solvent extraction systems for rare earth separation. Its high aqueous solubility makes it the preferred nitrate salt for aqueous feed solutions in separation processes.

8. METHEMOGLOBINEMIA RISK: Nitrate salts can cause methemoglobinemia in cases of severe ingestion. Nitrate ions are reduced to nitrite in the body, which can affect hemoglobin oxygen transport.

9. WASTE DISPOSAL: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Due to its oxidizing nature, special disposal considerations apply.

10. FIRE SAFETY: In case of fire, use water spray, CO₂, or dry chemical powder. Fire may release toxic nitrogen oxide fumes. Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing. Water may be used to cool containers to prevent explosion.

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 Nitrate. Due to its oxidizing nature, hygroscopicity, and environmental classification, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use.