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

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

🧪 Thulium(III) Oxide (Tm₂O₃)

Thulium(III) oxide, also known as Thulia, is a rare earth oxide composed of thulium and oxygen. It is a high-value compound due to thulium’s unique optical and electronic properties, particularly in infrared applications and specialty lasers.

1️⃣ Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Thulium(III) Oxide

• Formula: Tm₂O₃

• Molecular Weight: 385.87 g/mol

• CAS Number: 39455-81-7

• EC Number: 254-362-1

• Appearance: White to pale green powder

• Crystal Structure: Cubic bixbyite type

• Density: ~8.6 g/cm³

• Melting Point: ~2,410 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in strong acids

2️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties

• Optical Properties: Exhibits sharp absorption and emission bands in the infrared region; useful in laser materials.

• Thermal Stability: High melting point and phase stability, suitable for refractory applications.

• Magnetic Behavior: Weakly paramagnetic due to 4f electrons.

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

3️⃣ Applications

• Lasers & Optics:

  • Tm³⁺ ions are used in solid-state lasers, especially for emission around 2 µm (medical and defense applications).

  • Infrared optical devices and specialty ceramics.

• Electronics:

  • Thin films and dielectric materials in advanced devices.

• Ceramics:

  • Additive for high-performance ceramics with thermal stability.

• Research:

  • Used in nuclear and materials science studies due to thulium’s isotopic properties.

• Chemical Precursors:

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

4️⃣ Synonyms

• Thulium Oxide

• Thulium(III) Oxide

• Thulia

• Tm₂O₃

• Thulium 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: Thulium(III) Oxide (CAS 39455-81-7) is a rare earth oxide with infrared optical activity, high thermal stability, and chemical inertness, making it indispensable in lasers, IR optics, ceramics, electronics, and advanced materials.