We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailYtterbium Oxide, Ytterbia, Ytterbium Sesquioxide, 1314-37-0
YTTERBIUM OXIDE (YB₂O₃)
YTTERBIUM OXIDE / YTTERBIA / YTTERBIUM SESQUIOXIDE / YTTERBIUM(III) OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ytterbium Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Ytterbium(III) Oxide, Ytterbium Trioxide, Ytterbium Sesquioxide |
| Other Names | Ytterbia, Yb₂O₃ |
| CAS Number | 1314-37-0 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 215-233-5 |
| Chemical Formula | Yb₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 394.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Ytterbium oxide is an oxide of the rare earth element ytterbium and oxygen. Ytterbium ions (Yb³⁺) and oxide ions (O²⁻) are present in a 2:3 ratio. It has a cubic crystal structure (bixbyite type). It is known for its high density, thermal stability, and optical properties. It is insoluble in water but soluble in strong acids.
Structural Features:
YTTERBIUM OXIDE [Yb₂O₃]
|
Yb³⁺ - O²⁻ Ionic Bonds
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Cubic (Bixbyite) White-Yellow Optically Active
Crystal Structure Powder Form (IR, 1 µm)
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (bixbyite type) |
| Chemical Formula | Yb₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 394.08 g/mol |
| Density | ~9.17 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder |
| Melting Point | ~2,420 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~3,900 °C |
| Optical Emission | ~1 µm (laser applications) |
| Refractive Index | ~1.96 |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder | Color shade depends on purity |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Yb₂O₃ | - |
| Molecular Weight | 394.08 g/mol | - |
| Density | ~9.17 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | ~2,420 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms ytterbium salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Crystal Structure | Cubic (bixbyite) | - |
| Optical Properties | IR absorption bands | 1 µm laser materials |
| Thermal Stability | High | - |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. PURITY GRADES
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity Grade | Analytical Grade | Ultra-High Purity Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Yb₂O₃) | ≥ 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 in air; stable at high temperatures. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity (prolonged), reducing environments. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong reducing agents, halogens. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation at high temperatures: ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) is stable; with acids: ytterbium salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
-
Reaction with Acids:
Yb₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2YbCl₃ + 3H₂O
Yb₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Yb(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O
Yb₂O₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → Yb₂(SO₄)₃ + 3H₂O -
Carbonation (Over Time):
Yb₂O₃ + 3CO₂ + 3H₂O → Yb₂(CO₃)₃·3H₂O (slow)
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Optics and Laser Applications
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Solid-State Lasers | Optical dopant | ~1 µm emission (Yb³⁺) |
| Laser Crystals | Optical host/dopant | Yb:YAG, Yb:YLF |
| Fiber Optic Amplifiers | Signal amplification | High-power fiber lasers |
| IR Optical Devices | Optical material | Special IR systems |
| Ultrafast Lasers | Short pulse generation | Scientific and industrial applications |
6.2. Electronics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Film Coatings | Surface engineering | Optoelectronic applications |
| Dielectric Material | High purity dielectric | Sensors and capacitors |
| Semiconductor Components | Dopant | Special electronic applications |
6.3. Ceramics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High Performance Ceramics | Additive | Mechanical and thermal properties |
| Refractory Ceramics | High temperature resistance | Thermal protection systems |
| Thermal Barrier Coatings | Thermal insulation | High temperature applications |
6.4. Metallurgy
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Additive | Mechanical property improvement | Special alloy applications |
| Grain Refiner | Microstructure control | Metallurgical processes |
6.5. Chemical Precursor
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ytterbium Salts | Starting material | Chloride, nitrate production |
| Chemical Synthesis | High purity intermediate | Special chemical applications |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Optics and Laser | Suitable | 1 µm lasers, fiber amplifiers |
| Electronics | Suitable | Thin film, dielectric applications |
| Ceramics | Suitable | High performance ceramics |
| Metallurgy | Suitable | Alloy additive, grain refiner |
| Chemicals | Suitable | Precursor for ytterbium salts |
| 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 | Solvent extraction | Separation of ytterbium from other rare earths |
| 3. Precipitation | Chemical precipitation | Precipitation of ytterbium salts |
| 4. Calcination | Thermal treatment | Conversion to oxide form (800-1000°C) |
| 5. Milling | Mechanical processing | Achieving desired particle size |
| 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 |
| Australia | Rare earth mining |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Ytterbium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of ytterbium is required |
| Ytterbium Chloride | For solution chemistry | When liquid form of ytterbium is required |
| Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃) | Laser applications | When different laser wavelengths are required |
| Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) | Laser applications | When different laser wavelengths are required |
| Yttrium Oxide (Y₂O₃) | 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 | Fine dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Rare earth oxides have low bioavailability; prolonged exposure may cause lung 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 | 215-233-5 |
| China (REACH equivalent) | Registered; major production and export country |
16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ytterbia | Common short name |
| Ytterbium Trioxide | Chemical name |
| Ytterbium Sesquioxide | Chemical name |
| Ytterbium(III) Oxide | Chemical name |
| Yb₂O₃ | Chemical abbreviation |
| Rare Earth Oxide | Category name |
| Ytterbium Oxide | English name |
17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1314-37-0 |
| EC Number | 215-233-5 |
| Chemical Formula | Yb₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 394.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow powder |
| Density | ~9.17 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~2,420 °C |
| Optical Emission | ~1 µm (laser applications) |
| HS Code | 2846.90.00.00.19 |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
Optical Properties: Ytterbium oxide provides emission at around ~1 µm due to Yb³⁺ ions; this property is critical for high-power fiber lasers and ultrafast laser systems.
-
High Density: With ~9.17 g/cm³, it has high density among rare earth oxides; this property provides advantages for ceramic and refractory applications.
-
High Purity Requirement: Laser, optical, and electronic applications require high purity (>99.9%).
-
High Value: Ytterbium is a critical and valuable rare earth element for optical and laser applications. Losses should be minimized and recycling options explored.
-
Powder Hazard: Fine powder form may cause respiratory tract irritation. Dust control measures must be taken.
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. Ytterbium oxide is a critical rare earth material for optical, laser, and electronic applications; careful handling, storage, and recycling planning are required due to high purity requirements and value.
