Terbium Fluoride, Terbium Trifluoride, 13708-63-9

TERBIUM FLUORIDE (TERBIUM(III) FLUORIDE) 

Chemical Name: Terbium(III) Fluoride / Terbium Trifluoride
CAS Number: 13708-63-9
EC Number: 237-349-2
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Terbium Fluoride (TbF₃) is the fluoride salt of terbium in the +3 oxidation state. It appears as a white to light yellowish crystalline powder with a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids. It is thermally stable at room temperature. Terbium is a lanthanide element with high magnetic moment and unique optical properties. Terbium Fluoride is an important precursor for optical glasses, laser crystals, magnetic materials, and terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) production.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Dissolves in acids

• White/light yellowish crystalline appearance

• Hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure

• Thermally stable at room temperature

• Key precursor for terbium-based optical, laser, and magnetic materials

• High density (~7.35 g/cm³)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Terbium Fluoride is a white to light yellowish, odorless crystalline powder with a density of approximately 7.35 g/cm³ and melting point of ~1,100-1,150°C. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids. It adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure and is not hygroscopic. It is thermally stable and exhibits characteristic optical and magnetic properties of terbium compounds.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

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

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Terbium Fluoride is a thermally stable compound that is resistant to oxidation in air. It reacts with hot concentrated acids to form terbium(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:
TbF₃ + 3HCl → TbCl₃ + 3HF

Synthesis (Precipitation):
Tb³⁺ + 3F⁻ → TbF₃ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Terbium Fluoride is manufactured in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.999%). High purity grades are essential for optical, laser, magnetic, and electronic applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Optical and Laser Applications (Most Important Application)

Terbium Fluoride has critical applications in the optics and laser industry. Its UV/IR transmittance control and low refractive loss properties make it valuable for specialty optical glasses. It is used in scintillation crystals and magneto-optic systems.

6.2. Magnetic Materials

Terbium has a high magnetic moment and is used in specialty magnetic alloys.

6.3. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

6.4. Defense Industry

6.5. Nanotechnology and Materials Science

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Terbium salt

• White fluoride crystal

• Optical additive

• Terbium fluoride powder

• Terbium trifluoride

• Rare earth fluoride

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Tb³⁺ + 3HF → TbF₃ ↓ + 3H⁺
or
Tb₂O₃ + 6HF → 2TbF₃ ↓ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Terbium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. Chronic exposure may lead to fluoride accumulation in bones and teeth. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Terbium Fluoride is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment must be prevented during transport.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Terbium 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

Terbium 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. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Terbium Fluoride (TbF₃, CAS 13708-63-9) is a white to light yellowish crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 197.93 g/mol, density of approximately 7.35 g/cm³, and melting point of ~1,100-1,150°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.

Its most important applications are in optical glass production, laser crystals, and magnetic materials. It is used for UV/IR transmittance control, low refractive loss, and magneto-optic systems. Terbium's high magnetic moment makes it valuable for specialty magnetic alloys. It is also used in electronics, defense optics, and nanotechnology (as a precursor for Tb₂O₃).

The compound is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. It contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. It may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong acids and oxidizers. 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:

• ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS: UN 3077

• FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Fluoride accumulation risk

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated

• INCOMPATIBLE: Strong acids (produces HF gas)

• ECOTOXIC: Marine pollutant

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Terbium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride poisoning. Chronic exposure may lead to bone and dental fluorosis. Calcium metabolism may be affected.

2. UN 3077 CLASSIFICATION: Classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment during transport, storage, or disposal must be strictly prevented. It is listed as a marine pollutant.

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

4. MAGNETIC APPLICATIONS: Terbium has a high magnetic moment and is used in specialty magnetic alloys. Terbium-doped materials are valuable for magnetostrictive and magnetocaloric applications.

5. OPTICAL APPLICATIONS: Terbium Fluoride is used in optical glass and laser crystal production. High purity (99.99% and above) is required for optical applications where trace impurities affect UV/IR transmittance and refractive index.

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

7. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19.

8. REDOX PROPERTIES: Terbium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states. TbF₃ is the common form, with +3 state being most stable for optical and magnetic applications.

9. SCINTILLATION APPLICATIONS: Terbium-doped scintillation crystals are used in radiation detection systems for nuclear security, medical imaging, and scientific research.

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 Terbium Fluoride.