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Send EmailSamarium Oxide, Samarium Trioxide, Samaria, 12060‑58‑1
SAMARIUM OXIDE (SM₂O₃)
SAMARIUM OXIDE / SAMARIUM TRIOXIDE / SAMARIA / SAMARIUM(III) OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Samarium Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Samarium(III) Oxide, Samarium Trioxide, Samarium Sesquioxide |
| Other Names | Samaria, Sm₂O₃ |
| CAS Number | 12060-58-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 235-043-6 |
| Chemical Formula | Sm₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 348.72 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to light pink powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Samarium oxide is the oxide compound of the rare earth element samarium. Samarium ions (Sm³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 2:3 ratio. It exists in cubic and monoclinic polymorphic forms. It is known for its high melting point and thermal stability. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.
Structural Features:
SAMARIUM OXIDE [Sm₂O₃]
|
Sm³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Cubic / Yellow-Pink High Thermal
Monoclinic Powder Form Stability
Crystal Structure
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Cubic and monoclinic polymorphic forms |
| Chemical Formula | Sm₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 348.72 g/mol |
| Density | ~8.35 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Light yellow to light pink powder |
| Melting Point | ~2325 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~3900 °C |
| Magnetic Susceptibility | Paramagnetic |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light yellow to light pink powder | Color depends on purity |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Sm₂O₃ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 348.72 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~8.35 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~2325 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms samarium salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic and monoclinic polymorphic forms | - |
| Thermal Stability | High | Stable up to 2325°C |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
| Magnetic Properties | Paramagnetic | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade | Ultra-High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Sm₂O₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.9% | ≥ 99.99% | ≥ 99.999% |
| Other Rare Earths | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 100 ppm | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 50 ppm | ≤ 20 ppm | ≤ 10 ppm | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.02% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 5-20 µm | 1-10 µm | 0.5-5 µm | 0.2-2 µm |
| BET Surface Area | 5-15 m²/g | 10-20 m²/g | 15-30 m²/g | 20-50 m²/g |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under ambient conditions; stable up to high temperatures. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity, prolonged CO₂ exposure (carbonate formation). |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃) is stable; with acids: samarium salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Acids:
Sm₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2SmCl₃ + 3H₂O
Sm₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Sm(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
Sm₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → Sm₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O
Carbonation (Over Time):
Sm₂O₃ + 3CO₂ + 3H₂O → Sm₂(CO₃)₃·3H₂O
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Ceramic and Glass Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Special Optical Glasses | Refractive index adjuster | Infrared absorbing glasses |
| Ceramic Materials | High temperature resistance | Special ceramic components |
| Infrared Absorbing Materials | Light filtering | Thermal and optical applications |
6.2. Phosphor and Lighting
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) | Phosphor component | Display technologies |
| Fluorescent Lamps | Light conversion | High-efficiency lighting systems |
| LED Phosphors | Color conversion | White LED applications |
6.3. Metallurgy and Magnets
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Samarium Metal Production | Primary raw material | For SmCo magnets |
| SmCo Magnets | High-performance alloy | High-temperature permanent magnets |
| Alloy Additive | Property enhancement | Special metallurgical applications |
6.4. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Catalyst | Catalytic activity | Component in some catalytic systems |
| Catalyst Carrier | Support material | As carrier for other metals |
6.5. Research and Nano-Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nanopowder Forms | Nanoscale material | Optoelectronics and catalysis studies |
| High Purity Research | Reference material | Materials science and physics research |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics and Glass | Suitable | Optical and special ceramic applications |
| Phosphor/Lighting | Suitable | CRT and fluorescent lamp phosphors |
| Magnets/Metallurgy | Suitable | SmCo permanent magnet production |
| Catalyst | Suitable | Component in industrial catalytic systems |
| Research and Nano | Suitable | High purity nanopowder applications |
| Food | Not Suitable | Rare earth oxide, not suitable |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Rare earth oxide, not suitable |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Rare earth concentrates | Extraction from monazite or bastnäsite ores |
| 2. Separation | Precipitation/extraction | Separation of samarium from other rare earths |
| 3. Purification | Recrystallization | Thermal treatment for 3N–5N purity (99.0–99.999%) |
| 4. Oxide Conversion | Thermal treatment | Conversion to oxide form |
| 5. Nano Form Production | Physical/chemical route | Optional nanopowder production |
| 6. Quality Control | Analysis and testing | ICP-OES, XRD, BET surface area |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| USA | Rare earth production |
| Europe | Rare earth refineries |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Samarium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of samarium is required |
| Samarium Chloride | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of samarium is required |
| Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃) | Magnetic applications | When different magnetic properties are required |
| Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃) | Magnet applications | When different magnetic properties are required |
| Cerium Oxide (Ce₂O₃) | Optical applications | When different optical properties are required |
9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Rare earth oxides have low bioavailability; however, high doses may cause liver effects. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
9.1. GHS Classification
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315: Causes skin irritation. |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2A | H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity | Category 3 | H335: May cause respiratory irritation. |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust. |
| P264 | Wash thoroughly after handling. |
| P271 | Use only in well-ventilated areas. |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection. |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water. |
| P304+P340 | IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. |
| P337+P313 | If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. |
11. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Remove to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention. |
12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Ensure a moisture-free environment. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C). |
| Shelf Life | 24-36 months under appropriate conditions. |
| Stability Note | Stable under normal conditions; should be stored in closed packaging to prevent moisture and CO₂ absorption. |
13. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Packaging | 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g | HDPE bottle, aluminum foil bag |
| Industrial Packaging | 25 kg | PE-lined kraft bag, moisture-proof |
| Drum | 25 kg, 50 kg | HDPE drum, moisture-proof |
| IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) | 500 kg, 1000 kg | Moisture-proof, palletized |
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for rare earth oxides) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (special precautions may be required for powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated |
| IATA | Not regulated |
| HS Code | 2846.90.00.00.19 (Other rare earth compounds) |
15. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered |
| EINECS | 235-043-6 |
| China (REACH equivalent) | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Samaria | Common short name |
| Samarium Trioxide | Chemical name |
| Samarium(III) Oxide | Chemical name |
| Samarium Sesquioxide | Chemical name |
| Sm₂O₃ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Rare Earth Oxide | Category name |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 12060-58-1 |
| EC Number | 235-043-6 |
| Chemical Formula | Sm₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 348.72 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to light pink powder |
| Density | ~8.35 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~2325 °C |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic and monoclinic |
| HS Code | 2846.90.00.00.19 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
High Value: Samarium is a critical and valuable rare earth element for SmCo magnets and optical applications. Losses should be minimized and recycling options explored.
High Purity Requirement: Optical, phosphor, and SmCo magnet applications require high purity (>99.9%). Purity level directly affects application performance.
Incompatibility: Reacts with strong acids. Acid use must be controlled.
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
Recycling: Samarium-containing waste (especially SmCo magnets) can be recycled; this should be considered in waste management planning.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents.
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, add oxide to acid slowly 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 (especially SmCo magnet waste is valuable).
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. Samarium oxide is a critical rare earth material for SmCo magnets and optical applications; careful handling, storage, and recycling planning are required due to high purity requirements and value.