Lutetium Oxide, Lutetium Sesquioxide, Lutetium Trioxide, Lutetia, 12032-20-1

Lutetium Oxide, Lutetium Sesquioxide, Lutetium Trioxide, Lutetia, 12032-20-1

🧪 Lutetium(III) Oxide (Lu₂O₃)

Lutetium(III) oxide, commonly called lutetia, is a rare earth oxide composed of lutetium and oxygen. It is one of the densest rare earth oxides and is valued for its high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and optical properties. These characteristics make it a critical material in advanced ceramics, lasers, and electronic applications.

1️⃣ Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Lutetium(III) Oxide

• Formula: Lu₂O₃

• Molecular Weight: 397.93 g/mol

• CAS Number: 12032-20-1

• EC Number: 234-931-9

• Appearance: White powder

• Crystal Structure: Cubic bixbyite type

• Density: ~9.4 g/cm³ (highest among rare earth oxides)

• Melting Point: ~2,490 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in strong acids

2️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties

• High Density: Lu₂O₃ is the densest rare earth oxide, useful in radiation shielding and high-density ceramics.

• Optical Properties: Transparent ceramics for infrared windows and laser host materials.

• Thermal Stability: Excellent phase stability at high temperatures.

• Chemical Behavior: Stable in air; reacts with acids to form lutetium salts.

3️⃣ Applications

• Optics & Lasers:

  • Transparent ceramics for IR optics and high-performance laser systems.

  • Host material doped with Nd³⁺, Yb³⁺, or Er³⁺ for solid-state lasers.

• Electronics:

  • High-purity dielectric material in sensors and thin-film coatings.

• Nuclear Technology:

  • High density makes it suitable for radiation shielding research.

• Ceramics:

  • Additive in refractory ceramics for enhanced thermal resistance.

• Chemical Precursors:

  • Starting material for lutetium salts (nitrates, chlorides) used in catalysis and organometallic chemistry.

4️⃣ Synonyms

• Lutetium Oxide

• Lutetium(III) Oxide

• Lutetia

• Lutetium Sesquioxide

• Lutetium Trioxide

• Lu₂O₃

5️⃣ Safety & Handling

• Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; fine powders may irritate eyes and respiratory tract.

• Precautions: Gloves, goggles, and dust masks recommended.

• Storage: Keep in dry, sealed containers; protect from moisture.

• Waste Disposal: Follow local regulations for rare earth oxides.

📌 Summary: Lutetium(III) Oxide (CAS 12032-20-1) is a high-density, thermally stable rare earth oxide with optical, electronic, and ceramic applications, making it indispensable in lasers, IR optics, electronics, and advanced materials.