Praseodymium Fluoride, Praseodymium Trifluoride, 13709-46-1

PRASEODYMIUM FLUORIDE (PRASEODYMIUM(III) FLUORIDE) 

Chemical Name: Praseodymium(III) Fluoride
CAS Number: 13709-46-1
EC Number: 237-276-4
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Praseodymium Fluoride (PrF₃) is the fluoride salt of praseodymium in the +3 oxidation state. It appears as a greenish-yellow crystalline powder with a characteristic color typical of praseodymium compounds. It adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure. Praseodymium Fluoride is insoluble in water but dissolves in acids. It is thermally stable at room temperature and exhibits excellent optical properties, particularly in UV transmission control and scintillation applications. Praseodymium Fluoride is a key precursor for optical glasses, laser crystals, and praseodymium oxide (Pr₂O₃) production.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Dissolves in acids

• Greenish-yellow crystalline appearance

• Hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure

• Thermal stability at room temperature

• Key precursor for praseodymium-based optical and laser materials

• High density (~6.2 g/cm³)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Praseodymium Fluoride is a greenish-yellow, odorless crystalline powder with a density of approximately 6.2 g/cm³ and a melting point of ~1,430°C. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. The compound adopts a hexagonal tysonite-type crystal structure and is not hygroscopic. It is thermally stable and exhibits characteristic optical properties of praseodymium compounds, including UV transmittance control capabilities.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Praseodymium Fluoride is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It dissolves in hot concentrated acids, forming the corresponding praseodymium(III) salts. Its insolubility in hydrofluoric acid is due to the common ion effect. It is insoluble in alkalis. This solubility profile makes it a stable material in fluoride-containing environments.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Praseodymium Fluoride is a thermally stable compound that is resistant to oxidation in air. It reacts with hot concentrated acids to form praseodymium(III) salts. Due to the fluoride ion, it exhibits weakly basic properties. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides long-term storage and handling advantages. Praseodymium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states, though +3 is more common for fluoride compounds.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Acid Dissolution:
PrF₃ + 3HCl → PrCl₃ + 3HF

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

Synthesis (Precipitation):
Pr³⁺ + 3F⁻ → PrF₃ ↓

Oxidation (to PrF₄):
PrF₃ + F₂ → PrF₄ (under strong fluorinating conditions)

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Praseodymium Fluoride is manufactured in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.999%). High purity grades are essential for optical, laser, and electronic applications. Technical grades are suitable for metallurgical and catalyst applications. Particle size can be customized based on application requirements.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Optical and Laser Applications (Most Important Application)

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

6.2. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

6.3. Defense Industry

6.4. Nanotechnology and Materials Science

6.5. Catalyst Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Praseodymium salt

• Greenish-yellow fluoride crystal

• Optical additive

• Praseodymium fluoride powder

• Praseodymium trifluoride

• Rare earth fluoride

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Pr³⁺ + 3HF → PrF₃ ↓ + 3H⁺
or
Pr₂O₃ + 6HF → 2PrF₃ ↓ + 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: Praseodymium 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 praseodymium itself has low toxicity, the fluoride ion requires careful handling. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Praseodymium Fluoride is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment must be prevented during transport. It must be labeled as a marine pollutant.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Praseodymium Fluoride is registered in all major industrial markets including the EU, USA, China, and Japan. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey. It is classified under customs tariff code 2846.90.00.00.19.

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

Praseodymium Fluoride is not a flammable substance. In case of fire, toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form in the area where the material is present. Self-contained breathing apparatus (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. The material should be contained to prevent dust dispersion and cleaned up using vacuum or sweeping, then placed in an appropriate disposal container. 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:

Praseodymium Fluoride (PrF₃, CAS 13709-46-1) is a greenish-yellow crystalline powder with characteristic color typical of praseodymium compounds. It has a molecular weight of 197.90 g/mol, density of approximately 6.2 g/cm³, and melting point of ~1,430°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 application is in optical glass production, laser crystals, and scintillation systems. It is used for UV transmittance control, refractive index stabilization, and as a component in magneto-optic systems. It is also used in electronic applications, defense optics, nanotechnology (as a precursor for Pr₂O₃), and catalyst applications.

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 under proper storage conditions.

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

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. FLUORIDE TOXICITY: Praseodymium 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. OPTICAL APPLICATIONS: Praseodymium 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 transmittance and refractive index.

5. NON-HYGROSCOPIC: Non-hygroscopic nature provides storage and handling advantages compared to other rare earth fluorides. This property is beneficial for long-term stockpiling and applications that are not moisture-sensitive.

6. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19. Correct classification is essential for international trade, with potential country-specific restrictions for rare earth compounds.

7. MAGNETO-OPTIC APPLICATIONS: Praseodymium Fluoride is used in magneto-optic systems such as Faraday rotators and optical isolators, which are critical for laser systems and optical communications.

8. REDOX PROPERTIES: Praseodymium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states. While PrF₃ is the common form, PrF₄ can be produced under strong fluorinating conditions. The +3 state is most stable for optical applications.

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

10. CATALYST APPLICATIONS: Praseodymium Fluoride is used as a precursor for praseodymium-based catalysts in petrochemical and chemical synthesis 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. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Praseodymium Fluoride.