Erbium Oxide, Erbia, Erbium Sesquioxide, 12061-16-4

Erbium Oxide, Erbia, Erbium Sesquioxide, 12061-16-4

🧪 Erbium(III) Oxide (Er₂O₃)

Erbium(III) oxide, also known as Erbia, is a rare earth oxide composed of erbium and oxygen. It is valued for its pink coloration, optical properties, and stability, making it useful in ceramics, glass, lasers, and electronics.

1️⃣ Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Erbium(III) Oxide

• Formula: Er₂O₃

• Molecular Weight: 382.52 g/mol

• CAS Number: 12061-16-4

• EC Number: 234-450-8

• Appearance: Pink powder

• Crystal Structure: Cubic bixbyite type

• Density: ~8.64 g/cm³

• Melting Point: ~2,310 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in acids

2️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties

• Color: Distinctive pink hue due to erbium’s electronic transitions.

• Optical Properties: Strong absorption bands in the infrared region; used in optical amplifiers and lasers.

• Thermal Stability: High melting point and phase stability.

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

3️⃣ Applications

• Optics & Lasers:

  • Er³⁺ ions are widely used in solid-state lasers (emission around 1.55 µm, telecom wavelength).

  • Optical amplifiers for fiber communications.

• Glass & Ceramics:

  • Pink coloring agent in specialty glasses and enamels.

  • UV absorption and decorative applications.

• Electronics:

  • Thin films and dielectric layers in advanced devices.

• Metallurgy:

  • Alloying additive for improving mechanical properties.

4️⃣ Synonyms

• Erbium Oxide

• Erbium(III) Oxide

• Erbia

• Er₂O₃

• Erbium Sesquioxide

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 environmental regulations for rare earth oxides.

📌 Summary: Erbium(III) Oxide (CAS 12061-16-4) is a rare earth oxide with a characteristic pink color, infrared optical activity, and high stability, making it indispensable in lasers, optical amplifiers, specialty glass, ceramics, and electronics.