Ytterbium Carbonate, Ytterbium Tricarbonate, 342385-48-2

YTTERBIUM CARBONATE (YTTERBIUM(III) CARBONATE) 

Chemical Name: Ytterbium(III) Carbonate
CAS Number: 342385-48-2
EC Number: Not commonly listed
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Ytterbium Carbonate (Yb₂(CO₃)₃) is the carbonate salt of ytterbium in the +3 oxidation state. It is a white, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in acids. Ytterbium is a heavy lanthanide element with unique optical and electronic properties. It is particularly valuable for laser applications, optical amplifiers, and as a dopant in various advanced materials. Ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers (YDFA) are critical for telecommunications. Ytterbium Carbonate is a key precursor for ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) production and is used in catalysts, optical glasses, electronic applications, and nanotechnology.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Readily dissolves in acids

• White crystalline appearance

• Thermal decomposition yields Yb₂O₃

• Key precursor for ytterbium-based optical and electronic materials

• High density (~4.5 g/cm³)

• Variable hydration states

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Ytterbium Carbonate is a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a density of approximately 4.5 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) with the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Ytterbium compounds are valued for their optical properties in laser and amplifier systems.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Ytterbium Carbonate is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It readily dissolves in dilute acids, forming the corresponding ytterbium(III) salts. This solubility profile makes it useful as a precursor for various ytterbium compounds.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Ytterbium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃). It readily dissolves in acids to form ytterbium salts and is an important precursor for various ytterbium compounds used in optical and electronic applications. Ytterbium can exist in both +2 and +3 oxidation states, though +3 is more common.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Thermal Decomposition:
Yb₂(CO₃)₃ → Yb₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)

Acid Dissolution:
Yb₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2YbCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O

Precipitation Reaction:
2Yb³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Yb₂(CO₃)₃ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Ytterbium Carbonate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for optical, laser, and electronic applications where trace impurities significantly affect performance.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Ytterbium Oxide (Yb₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)

Ytterbium Carbonate is the primary precursor for ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Yb₂O₃, which is essential for optical fibers, lasers, catalysts, and ceramic applications.

6.2. Optical and Laser Applications (Critical Application)

Ytterbium compounds are critical for ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers (YDFA) used in telecommunications. Ytterbium lasers (Yb:YAG) are also important for industrial and medical applications. Ytterbium-doped materials offer high efficiency and power output.

6.3. Catalyst Applications

6.4. Electronics and Vacuum Systems

6.5. Nanotechnology

6.6. Defense and Specialty Optics

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Ytterbium carbonate

• White carbonate powder

• Optical additive

• Ytterbium salt

• Ytterbium tricarbonate

• Rare earth carbonate

• Laser precursor carbonate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
2YbCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Yb₂(CO₃)₃ + 6NaCl

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.99%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Ytterbium Carbonate may cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory tract irritation. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Environmental release must be prevented. Ytterbium compounds are generally considered of low toxicity but should be handled with appropriate precautions.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Ytterbium Carbonate is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Ytterbium Carbonate is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

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

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Keep away from acids

• Prevent environmental release

• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Ytterbium Carbonate is not flammable. Thermal decomposition may release CO₂.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

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

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

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:

Ytterbium Carbonate (Yb₂(CO₃)₃, CAS 342385-48-2) is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of approximately 517.06 g/mol and density of ~4.5 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Thermal decomposition yields ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃).

Its most important application is as a precursor for ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) used in ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers (YDFA) for telecommunications and Yb:YAG lasers for industrial and medical applications. Ytterbium-doped materials offer high efficiency and power output. It is also used in optical glasses, catalysts, electronic applications, nanotechnology, and defense optics.

The compound is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. It may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from acids. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS: UN 3077

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from acids

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND LASER APPLICATIONS: Ytterbium is critical for ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers (YDFA) used in telecommunications and Yb:YAG lasers for industrial and medical applications. High purity (99.99% and above) is essential for optimal performance. Ytterbium-doped materials offer high efficiency and power output.

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. Yb₂O₃ PRECURSOR: This compound is the primary precursor for ytterbium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the optical and electronic properties of the final Yb₂O₃ product.

4. REDOX PROPERTIES: Ytterbium can exist in both +2 and +3 oxidation states. The +3 state is most common for optical applications, but careful control of processing conditions may be required for specific applications.

5. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00. Correct classification is essential for international trade.

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

7. SUPPLY: Ytterbium is a heavy rare earth element with limited supply. Its compounds are considered strategic materials for telecommunications and laser 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 Ytterbium Carbonate.