We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailThulium Carbonate, Thulium Carbonate Hydrate, 87198-17-2
THULIUM CARBONATE HYDRATE (THULIUM(III) CARBONATE)
Chemical Name: Thulium(III) Carbonate Hydrate
CAS Number: 87198-17-2
EC Number: Not commonly listed
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Thulium(III) carbonate hydrate |
| Other Names | Thulium Carbonate, Thulium Tricarbonate Hydrate, Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| CAS Number | 87198-17-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | Not commonly listed |
| Molecular Formula | Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O (hydrated form) |
| Molecular Weight | ~517.9 g/mol (anhydrous basis; varies with hydration) |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | ~4.5 g/cm³ |
| Crystal Structure | Hydrated form |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Thulium Carbonate Hydrate (Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O) is the carbonate salt of thulium in the +3 oxidation state, containing variable amounts of water of crystallization. It is a white, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in acids. Thulium is a heavy lanthanide element with unique optical properties, particularly valuable for laser and medical applications. Thulium-based lasers (Tm:YAG) operate at 2-micron wavelengths and are critical for medical surgery, military applications, and remote sensing. Thulium Carbonate is a key precursor for thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) 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 Tm₂O₃
-
Key precursor for thulium-based optical and laser materials
-
Hydrated form with variable water content
-
High density (~4.5 g/cm³)
2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~517.9 g/mol (anhydrous basis) |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | ~4.5 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Not distinct; decomposes on heating |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~300-700°C (to Tm₂O₃) |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Insoluble |
| Hygroscopicity | Not established |
| Thermal Decomposition | Tm₂(CO₃)₃ → Tm₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ |
| Optical Properties | 2-micron laser applications |
| Magnetic Properties | Paramagnetic |
Thulium Carbonate Hydrate 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 thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) with the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Thulium compounds are valued for their optical properties, particularly in 2-micron laser systems.
3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent | Solubility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble | All temperatures |
| Dilute Acids | Soluble | Forms Tm³⁺ salts |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Soluble | TmCl₃ formation |
| Nitric Acid | Soluble | Tm(NO₃)₃ formation |
| Sulfuric Acid | Soluble | Tm₂(SO₄)₃ formation |
| Organic Solvents | Insoluble | - |
Thulium Carbonate is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It readily dissolves in dilute acids, forming the corresponding thulium(III) salts. This solubility profile makes it useful as a precursor for various thulium compounds.
4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Oxidation State | Tm³⁺ (+3) |
| Thermal Decomposition | Tm₂(CO₃)₃ → Tm₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C) |
| Acid Dissolution | Dissolves in acids forming Tm³⁺ salts |
| Precipitation | Forms insoluble carbonates from Tm³⁺ solutions |
| Hydrolysis | Negligible in aqueous suspensions |
| Complex Formation | Forms complexes with various ligands |
Thulium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃). It readily dissolves in acids to form thulium salts and is an important precursor for various thulium compounds used in optical and laser applications.
Key Chemical Reactions:
Thermal Decomposition:
Tm₂(CO₃)₃ → Tm₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)
Acid Dissolution:
Tm₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2TmCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O
Precipitation Reaction:
2Tm³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Tm₂(CO₃)₃ ↓
5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (Tm₂(CO₃)₃) | ≥ 99.0% | ≥ 99.9% - 99.99% |
| Appearance | White powder | White crystalline powder |
| Rare Earth Impurities | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.01% - 0.001% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.001% |
| Sodium (Na) | ≤ 0.05% | ≤ 0.01% |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.005% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.01% | ≤ 0.005% |
| Loss on Ignition | ~30-35% | ~30-35% |
| Shelf Life | ~2 years | ~2 years |
Thulium 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. Thulium Oxide (Tm₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Precursor | Thermal decomposition yields high-purity Tm₂O₃ |
| Laser Precursor | Used in laser crystal production |
| Catalyst Precursor | Used in catalyst preparation |
| Ceramic Material | Used in advanced ceramic production |
Thulium Carbonate is the primary precursor for thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Tm₂O₃, which is essential for laser crystals, catalysts, and optical applications.
6.2. Laser and Optical Applications (Critical Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Tm:YAG Lasers | Thulium-doped lasers for medical, military, and remote sensing |
| 2-Micron Lasers | Critical for surgical applications (lithotripsy, dermatology) |
| Optical Glasses | Used for UV/IR transmission control in specialty glass |
| Laser Filters | Used in precision filter systems |
| Optical Materials | Used in various optical components |
| Upconversion Materials | Used in upconversion phosphor synthesis |
Thulium compounds are critical for 2-micron solid-state lasers (Tm:YAG) used in medical surgery, military applications, and remote sensing. Thulium lasers are particularly important for surgical procedures and atmospheric monitoring.
6.3. Catalyst Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Catalyst Precursor | Precursor for thulium-based catalysts |
| Chemical Synthesis | Used in catalytic applications |
| Petrochemical | Used in certain catalytic processes |
6.4. Electronics and Vacuum Systems
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Sputtering Targets | Precursor for Tm₂O₃ sputtering targets |
| Thin Film Coatings | Used in vacuum deposition systems |
| Electronic Materials | Used in specialty electronic applications |
| Semiconductor Doping | Used as a dopant in semiconductor systems |
6.5. Nanotechnology
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Tm₂O₃ Nanoparticles | Source material for Tm₂O₃ nanoparticle production |
| Nanomaterials | Used in advanced nanomaterial synthesis |
| Luminescent Nanomaterials | Used in optical nanomaterial applications |
6.6. Defense and Specialty Optics
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Laser Optics | Used in precision laser systems |
| Optical Filters | Used in specialized filter systems |
| Spectroscopic Systems | Used in defense and spectroscopy applications |
| Remote Sensing | Used in atmospheric monitoring systems |
7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS
| Product | Description | Preference Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Thulium Oxide (Tm₂O₃) | Direct use in ceramics and optics | Already oxidized form |
| Thulium Hydroxide (Tm(OH)₃) | Alternative precursor for Tm₂O₃ | Different decomposition pathway |
| Thulium Nitrate (Tm(NO₃)₃) | Soluble thulium source | Water-soluble, easy processing |
| Thulium Chloride (TmCl₃) | Alternative soluble form | Water-soluble, different anion |
| Lanthanide Carbonates (La₂(CO₃)₃, Pr₂(CO₃)₃, Nd₂(CO₃)₃) | Similar rare earth carbonate functions | Different optical properties |
| Yttrium Carbonate (Y₂(CO₃)₃) | Alternative for ceramic and coating applications | Lower cost, different properties |
8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE
| Sector / Application | Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Catalysts | Suitable | Tm₂O₃ catalyst production precursor |
| Optics & Lasers | Critical | Laser glasses and filter systems |
| Electronics | Suitable | Vacuum systems and semiconductor doping |
| Nanotechnology | Suitable | Tm₂O₃ nanoparticle production source |
| Defense | Suitable | Laser optics and filter systems |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Direct use not recommended |
| Food & Pharmaceuticals | Prohibited | Not permitted due to carbonate structure |
9. COMMON NAMES
-
Thulium carbonate
-
White carbonate powder
-
Optical additive
-
Thulium salt
-
Thulium tricarbonate hydrate
-
Rare earth carbonate
-
Laser precursor carbonate
10. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Material | Thulium-containing rare earth solutions or ores |
| Purification | Purification of thulium salt solution |
| Precipitation | Carbonate precipitation with sodium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate |
| Reaction | 2Tm³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Tm₂(CO₃)₃ ↓ |
| Filtration | Separation of precipitate from mother liquor |
| Washing | Washing to remove impurities |
| Drying | Drying at 100-150°C with controlled hydration |
| Grinding | Grinding to desired particle size |
| Packaging | Packaging |
Reaction Equation:
2TmCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Tm₂(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
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | GHS07 (Warning) |
| Hazard Statements | H315 (Skin irritation), H319 (Serious eye irritation), H335 (Respiratory tract irritation) |
| Precautionary Statements | P261, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338 |
| Signal Word | Warning |
| UN Number | 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance) |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Ecotoxicity | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity |
SPECIAL WARNINGS: Thulium 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. Thulium compounds are generally considered of low toxicity but should be handled with appropriate precautions.
12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance) |
| Hazard Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Proper Shipping Name | Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (Thulium carbonate) |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 9 |
Thulium Carbonate is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.
13. REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region | Status |
|---|---|
| EU | REACH registered |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; registration required |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed |
| EC Number | Not commonly listed |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2836.99.00.00 |
Thulium Carbonate is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.
14. STORAGE AND HANDLING
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed containers |
| Materials to Avoid | Strong acids, moisture |
| Shelf Life | ~2 years (under proper storage) |
| Hygroscopicity | Not established |
| Packaging Options | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg |
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
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Not flammable |
| Extinguishing Media | Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder |
| Special Hazards | Thermal decomposition releases CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Decomposition Products | Thulium oxides, CO₂ |
Thulium Carbonate is not flammable. Thermal decomposition may release CO₂.
16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Wear appropriate PPE (dust mask, safety goggles, protective clothing, gloves) |
| Ventilation | Increase ventilation |
| Containment | Prevent dust dispersion; contain spill |
| Cleaning Methods | Carefully sweep or vacuum; place in appropriate disposal container |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies |
| Waste Disposal | Dispose according to local regulations |
In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Environmental release must be prevented.
17. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move person to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap; remove contaminated clothing. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention. |
18. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS
18.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)
| Raw Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Monazite Sand | Rare earth ore containing thulium |
| Bastnäsite | Rare earth carbonate mineral |
| Xenotime | Yttrium-rich, thulium-containing mineral |
| Thulium Chloride (TmCl₃) | Starting material for precipitation |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | Precipitation agent |
18.2. Downstream Products
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Thulium Oxide (Tm₂O₃) | Lasers, catalysts, ceramics |
| Tm-Doped Laser Crystals | Tm:YAG for medical and military lasers |
| Tm-Doped Fiber Amplifiers | Telecommunications |
| Thulium-Based Catalysts | Chemical synthesis, petrochemicals |
| Thulium-Doped Materials | Optical amplifiers, laser materials |
| Thulium Compounds | Various specialty applications |
19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS
| Parameter | Analytical Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Titration / ICP | Complexometric titration or ICP analysis |
| Thulium Content | Gravimetric / ICP | Determined as Tm₂O₃ |
| Carbonate Content | Gravimetric | CO₂ determination |
| Water of Crystallization | Thermogravimetry | Hydration degree determination |
| Rare Earth Impurities | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | Detection of other lanthanides |
| Metal Impurities | ICP-MS / ICP-OES | Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Cu, etc. |
| Loss on Ignition | Gravimetric | Calcination to Tm₂O₃ |
| Appearance | Visual | White powder |
| Particle Size | Laser Diffraction | Particle size distribution |
| Acid Solubility | Visual | Clear solution after acid dissolution |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
SUMMARY:
Thulium Carbonate Hydrate (Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O, CAS 87198-17-2) is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of approximately 517.9 g/mol on an anhydrous basis and density of ~4.5 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Thermal decomposition yields thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃).
Its most important application is as a precursor for thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) used in 2-micron solid-state lasers (Tm:YAG) for medical surgery, military applications, and remote sensing. Thulium lasers are critical for surgical procedures such as lithotripsy and dermatology. 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:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Chemical Formula | Tm₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O |
| Molecular Weight | ~517.9 g/mol (anhydrous) |
| CAS Number | 87198-17-2 |
| Density | ~4.5 g/cm³ |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~300-700°C (to Tm₂O₃) |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Primary Use | Tm₂O₃ precursor, laser materials |
Major Application Areas:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Optics & Lasers | Tm:YAG lasers, optical glasses, laser filters |
| Catalysts | Tm₂O₃ catalyst production |
| Electronics | Sputtering targets, semiconductor doping |
| Nanotechnology | Tm₂O₃ nanoparticles |
| Defense | Laser optics, remote sensing systems |
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:
-
LASER APPLICATIONS: Thulium is critical for 2-micron solid-state lasers (Tm:YAG) used in medical, military, and remote sensing applications. High purity (99.99% and above) is essential for laser crystal production. Thulium lasers are particularly important for surgical procedures and atmospheric monitoring.
-
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.
-
Tm₂O₃ PRECURSOR: This compound is the primary precursor for thulium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the optical properties of the final Tm₂O₃ product.
-
SUPPLY CRITICALITY: Thulium is one of the rarest rare earth elements with limited supply. Its compounds are considered strategic materials for specialized applications, particularly medical lasers and remote sensing.
-
HYDRATION DEGREE: Hydration degree varies and affects molecular weight calculations. Proper characterization of water content is important for stoichiometric calculations.
-
CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00. Correct classification is essential for international trade.
-
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 Thulium Carbonate.
