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DIDYMIUM OXIDE (CAS 11141-21-2)
DIDYMIUM OXIDE / NEODYMIUM-PRASEODYMIUM OXIDE MIXTURE / MIXED RARE EARTH OXIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Didymium Oxide |
| Chemical Name | Neodymium–Praseodymium Oxide Mixture |
| Other Names | Didymium Oxide, Mixed Rare Earth Oxide, Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ Mixture |
| CAS Number | 11141-21-2 |
| Chemical Formula | Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ (mixture) |
| Molecular Weight | ~666 g/mol (depending on mixture ratio) |
| Appearance | Brown powder (reddish tones) |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (powder) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Didymium oxide is not a single element oxide but a mixture of neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) and praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁). Historically, the term "didymium" was used before these two elements were separated. The mixture ratio varies depending on the application. It exhibits strong absorption bands in the visible light spectrum, making it valuable for filter applications. It is insoluble in water but soluble in acids.
Structural Features:
DIDYMIUM OXIDE [Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁]
|
Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ Mixture
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Brown Strong Optical Soluble in
Powder Form Absorption Acids
(Reddish Tones)
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Depends on mixture components (cubic + fluorite-like) |
| Chemical Formula | Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ (mixture) |
| Molecular Weight | ~666 g/mol (depending on mixture ratio) |
| Appearance | Brown powder (reddish tones) |
| Optical Properties | Strong absorption bands in visible light |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown powder (reddish tones) | Color shade depends on mixture ratio |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Formula | Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ | - |
| Molecular Weight | ~666 g/mol | Depends on mixture ratio |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Forms rare earth salts |
| Solubility in Alcohol | Insoluble | - |
| Optical Properties | Strong absorption in visible light | Optical filter applications |
| Thermal Stability | High | - |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | - |
4. TYPICAL COMPOSITION (VARIANT DEPENDENT)
| Parameter | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|
| Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃) | 70 – 80% |
| Praseodymium Oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) | 20 – 30% |
| Other Rare Earths | ≤ 1.0% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 50 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Particle Size (D50) | 1-10 µm |
5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Strong acids, high humidity (prolonged). |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, strong reducing agents, halogens. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | With acids: neodymium and praseodymium salts. |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low. |
5.1. Chemical Reactions
Reaction with Acids:
Nd₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2NdCl₃ + 3H₂O
Pr₆O₁₁ + 18HCl → 6PrCl₃ + Cl₂↑ + 9H₂O
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Glass Industry
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Coloring | Colorant | Brown-reddish tones |
| Glass Decolorizing | Color neutralization | Neutralizes iron impurities |
| Welder's Goggles | Light-selective filter | Absorbs harmful radiation |
| Optical Filters | Spectral control | Selective absorption in visible light |
6.2. Electronics
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature-Compensating Capacitors | Dielectric material | Radio, TV, radar circuits |
| Ceramic Capacitors | Electronic component | Special electronic applications |
6.3. Metallurgy
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Production | Additive | Mechanical property improvement |
| Metallurgical Research | Alloy additive | Special alloy applications |
6.4. Textile
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Special Textile Processes | Additive | Some special textile processes |
6.5. Carbon Arc Lamps
| Application | Function | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Arc Cores | Arc stabilizer | Especially fluoride-type cores |
6.6. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Industry | Suitable | Coloring, decolorizing, optical filters |
| Electronics | Suitable | Capacitors, electronic circuits |
| Metallurgy | Suitable | Stainless steel, alloy additives |
| Textile | Suitable | Special textile processes |
| Lighting | Suitable | Carbon arc lamps |
| Food | Not Suitable | Not suitable |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Not suitable |
7. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raw Material Preparation | Rare earth concentrates | From monazite or bastnäsite ores |
| 2. Separation | Partial separation | Co-separation of neodymium and praseodymium |
| 3. Precipitation | Chemical precipitation | Oxalate or carbonate precipitation |
| 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, spectrophotometry |
7.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Major producer |
| India | Rare earth production |
| USA | Rare earth production |
8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Neodymium Oxide (Nd₂O₃) | Single component | When only Nd properties are required |
| Praseodymium Oxide (Pr₆O₁₁) | Single component | When only Pr properties are required |
| Neodymium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form is required |
| Praseodymium Nitrate | For solution chemistry | When liquid form is required |
| Other Mixed Rare Earths | Different ratios | Special application requirements |
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. |
| 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. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Store in dry, closed containers; 2-8°C recommended. |
| Container Requirements | Moisture-proof, tightly closed containers. |
| Temperature | 2-8°C (supplier recommendation) or 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. |
11. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 11141-21-2 |
| Chemical Formula | Nd₂O₃ + Pr₆O₁₁ (mixture) |
| Molecular Weight | ~666 g/mol |
| Appearance | Brown powder |
| Typical Nd₂O₃ Ratio | 70–80% |
| Typical Pr₆O₁₁ Ratio | 20–30% |
| GHS Signal Word | WARNING |
12. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Mixture Product: Didymium oxide is not a single element compound but a mixture of neodymium and praseodymium oxides. Composition ratios vary by manufacturer and application.
Optical Properties: Valued for optical filters and welder's goggles due to strong absorption bands in visible light.
Historical Name: "Didymium" is a historical term used before neodymium and praseodymium were separated; it is still used commercially today.
Compatibility: Used in glass coloring and decolorizing applications to neutralize iron impurities.
Storage: Storage at 2-8°C is recommended; protect from moisture and CO₂ absorption.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area or at 2-8°C.
Use moisture-proof, tightly closed containers.
Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents.
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.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, rare earth 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. Didymium oxide is a commercial rare earth product used in glass, optical, and electronic applications as a mixture of neodymium and praseodymium oxides; composition ratios may vary depending on the application.