Thulium Oxide, Thulia, Thulium Sesquioxide, 39455-81-7

Thulium Oxide, Thulia, Thulium Sesquioxide, 39455-81-7

THULIUM OXIDE (TM₂O₃)
THULIUM OXIDE / THULIA / THULIUM SESQUIOXIDE / THULIUM(III) OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Thulium oxide is an oxide of the rare earth element thulium and oxygen. Thulium ions (Tm³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 2:3 ratio. It has a cubic crystal structure (bixbyite type). It is known for its infrared (IR) optical properties, high thermal stability, and chemical inertness. It is insoluble in water but soluble in strong acids.

Structural Features:

                    THULIUM OXIDE [Tm₂O₃]
                          |
                Tm³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Cubic (Bixbyite)   White-Green      Optically Active
    Crystal Structure   Powder Form      (IR, 2 µm)

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

• Reaction with Acids:
  Tm₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2TmCl₃ + 3H₂O
  Tm₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Tm(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
  Tm₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → Tm₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O

• Carbonation (Over Time):
  Tm₂O₃ + 3CO₂ + 3H₂O → Tm₂(CO₃)₃·3H₂O (slow)

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Laser and Optical Applications

6.2. Electronics

6.3. Ceramics

6.4. Research and Chemical Precursor

6.5. Sectoral Suitability Table

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Major Producing Countries

8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

9.1. GHS Classification

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. FIRST AID MEASURES

12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

13. PACKAGING OPTIONS

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

15. REGULATORY STATUS

16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Optical Properties: Thulium oxide has sharp emission and absorption bands at around 2 µm due to Tm³⁺ ions; this property is critical for medical, defense, and industrial laser applications.

• High Purity Requirement: Laser, optical, and electronic applications require high purity (>99.9%).

• High Value: Thulium is a critical and valuable rare earth element. Losses should be minimized and recycling options explored.

• Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.

• Rarity: Thulium is one of the rarest rare earth elements; supply chain sensitivity should be considered.

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.

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. Thulium oxide is a critical rare earth material for infrared optical and laser applications; careful handling, storage, and recycling planning are required due to high purity requirements and rarity.