Dysprosium Fluoride, Dysprosium Trifluoride, 13569-80-7

DYSPROSIUM FLUORIDE (DYSPROSIUM(III) FLUORIDE) 

Chemical Name: Dysprosium(III) Fluoride / Dysprosium Trifluoride
CAS Number: 13569-80-7
EC Number: 236-992-9
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport
Customs Tariff Code / HS: 2826.90

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Dysprosium Fluoride (DyF₃) is the fluoride salt of dysprosium in the +3 oxidation state. It appears as a white crystalline powder with a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids. Dysprosium is a heavy lanthanide element with one of the highest magnetic moments among naturally occurring elements (10.6 µB). Dysprosium Fluoride is a key precursor for dysprosium metal production, optical materials, laser crystals, and magnetic applications. It is also used in metallurgical processes as a flux and protective agent.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Dissolves in acids

• White crystalline appearance

• Hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure

• High magnetic moment (10.6 µB)

• Key precursor for dysprosium-based magnetic and optical materials

• High density (~7.2 g/cm³)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Dysprosium Fluoride is a white, odorless crystalline powder with a density of approximately 7.2 g/cm³ and melting point of ~1,350°C. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids. It adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure and is not hygroscopic. Dysprosium has one of the highest magnetic moments among all elements (10.6 µB), making its compounds valuable for magnetic and optical applications.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Dysprosium Fluoride is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It dissolves in hot concentrated acids, forming the corresponding dysprosium(III) salts. Its insolubility in hydrofluoric acid is due to the common ion effect. It is insoluble in alkalis.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Dysprosium Fluoride is a thermally stable compound that is resistant to oxidation in air. It reacts with hot concentrated acids to form dysprosium(III) salts. Due to the fluoride ion, it exhibits weakly basic properties. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides long-term storage and handling advantages.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Acid Dissolution:
DyF₃ + 3HCl → DyCl₃ + 3HF

Thermal Decomposition:
Stable up to high temperatures; no significant decomposition below melting point

Synthesis (Precipitation):
Dy³⁺ + 3F⁻ → DyF₃ ↓

Metallothermic Reduction (to Dy metal):
2DyF₃ + 3Ca → 2Dy + 3CaF₂

5. SPECIFICATIONS (COMMERCIAL GRADES)

Dysprosium Fluoride is available in various commercial grades from 2N (99%) to 5N (99.999%). High purity grades (4N and 5N) are essential for optical, laser, and electronic applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Optical and Laser Applications (Most Important Application)

Dysprosium Fluoride has critical applications in optical and laser systems, particularly for infrared optics and magneto-optic applications.

6.2. Metallurgical Applications

Dysprosium Fluoride is the primary precursor for dysprosium metal production via calcium reduction (metallothermic reduction).

6.3. Magnetic Materials

Dysprosium is critical for high-performance Nd-Fe-B magnets, enhancing temperature stability and coercivity for electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators.

6.4. Advanced Ceramics and Coatings

6.5. Nanotechnology

6.6. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Dysprosium fluoride

• Dysprosium(III) fluoride

• Dysprosium trifluoride

• DyF₃

• Rare earth fluoride

• White fluoride crystal

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Dy³⁺ + 3HF → DyF₃ ↓ + 3H⁺
or
Dy₂O₃ + 6HF → 2DyF₃ ↓ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades (2N to 5N)

Major Producing Countries: China, United States, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Dysprosium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. Chronic exposure may lead to fluoride accumulation in bones and teeth. Although dysprosium itself has low toxicity, the fluoride ion requires careful handling. Not classified as dangerous for transport.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Dysprosium Fluoride is not classified as dangerous for transport.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Dysprosium Fluoride is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation (use closed systems, local exhaust ventilation)

• Avoid skin and eye contact (use protective gloves and safety goggles)

• Avoid inhalation of dust (use dust mask or respirator)

• Avoid contact with acids (may produce toxic HF gas)

• Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed

• Prevent release into the environment

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Dysprosium Fluoride is not flammable. In case of fire, toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form. SCBA and full protective clothing must be used during fire-fighting.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Environmental release must be prevented.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• In case of ingestion, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate may be required (fluoride poisoning)

• Medical personnel should be informed about fluoride exposure

• Calcium metabolism may be affected due to fluoride ions

18. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

18.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

18.2. Downstream Products

19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Dysprosium Fluoride (DyF₃, CAS 13569-80-7) is a white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 208.50 g/mol, density of approximately 7.2 g/cm³, and melting point of ~1,350°C. It adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure, is insoluble in water but soluble in hot concentrated acids. It is not hygroscopic and exhibits excellent thermal stability. Dysprosium has one of the highest magnetic moments (10.6 µB) among all elements.

Its most important applications are in optical and laser systems (infrared optics, laser crystals, magneto-optics), metallurgy (dysprosium metal production, flux), and magnetic materials (Nd-Fe-B magnet additive). Dysprosium is critical for high-performance Nd-Fe-B magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators.

The compound contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. It may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Not classified as dangerous for transport. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong acids. Contact with acids must be avoided as toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form. Shelf life is 36 months.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Fluoride accumulation risk

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated

• INCOMPATIBLE: Strong acids (produces HF gas)

• TRANSPORT: Not classified as dangerous

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. MAGNETIC MATERIAL CRITICALITY: Dysprosium is critical for Nd-Fe-B magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators. High purity (4N and 5N) is essential for magnet performance.

2. FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Dysprosium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride poisoning. Chronic exposure may lead to bone and dental fluorosis.

3. ACID REACTIVITY: Contact with acids must be strictly avoided. Reaction with strong mineral acids produces toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas. HF is extremely toxic and corrosive.

4. METALLURGICAL APPLICATIONS: Dysprosium Fluoride is the primary precursor for dysprosium metal production via calcium reduction (metallothermic reduction). This is a critical step in the production of high-performance magnets.

5. HIGH MAGNETIC MOMENT: Dysprosium has one of the highest magnetic moments (10.6 µB) among all elements, making its compounds valuable for magnetic and magneto-optical applications.

6. OPTICAL APPLICATIONS: Dysprosium Fluoride is used in infrared optics and laser crystals. High purity is required for optical applications where trace impurities affect IR transmittance.

7. NON-HYGROSCOPIC: Non-hygroscopic nature provides storage and handling advantages.

8. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2826.90. Correct classification is essential for international trade.

9. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Dysprosium Fluoride.