Scandium Carbonate Hydrate, Scandium carbonate, 5809-49-4

SCANDIUM CARBONATE HYDRATE (SCANDIUM(III) CARBONATE) 

Chemical Name: Scandium(III) Carbonate Hydrate
CAS Number: 5809-49-4
EC Number: Not commonly listed
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance, general class)
Customs Tariff Code / HS: 2836.99.00.00

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Scandium Carbonate Hydrate (Sc₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O) is the carbonate salt of scandium in the +3 oxidation state, containing variable amounts of water of crystallization. It is a white, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in mineral acids. Scandium is a rare earth element (transition metal) with unique properties, including light weight and high melting point. Scandium compounds are critical for aluminum-scandium master alloys, advanced ceramics, solid oxide fuel cells, and optical applications. Scandium Carbonate is a key precursor for scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃) production.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Readily dissolves in mineral acids

• White crystalline appearance

• Thermal decomposition yields Sc₂O₃

• Key precursor for scandium-based materials

• Hydrated form with variable water content

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Scandium Carbonate Hydrate is a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in mineral acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃) with the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Scandium compounds are valued for their lightweight and high-temperature properties.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

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

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Scandium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃). It readily dissolves in mineral acids to form scandium salts and is an important precursor for various scandium compounds used in advanced materials and alloy applications.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Thermal Decomposition:
Sc₂(CO₃)₃ → Sc₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)

Acid Dissolution:
Sc₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2ScCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O

Precipitation Reaction:
2Sc³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Sc₂(CO₃)₃ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Scandium Carbonate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 98%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for aluminum-scandium alloys, advanced ceramics, and optical applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Scandium Oxide (Sc₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)

Scandium Carbonate is the primary precursor for scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Sc₂O₃, which is essential for aluminum-scandium alloys, advanced ceramics, and solid oxide fuel cells.

6.2. Aluminum-Scandium Alloys (Critical Application)

Scandium is critical for aluminum-scandium (Al-Sc) alloys which offer high strength-to-weight ratio, improved weldability, and excellent corrosion resistance. These alloys are used in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods applications.

6.3. Advanced Ceramics

6.4. Catalyst Applications

6.5. Thin Film and Coating Technologies

6.6. Nanotechnology

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Scandium carbonate

• White carbonate powder

• Scandium salt

• Oxide precursor carbonate

• Scandium tricarbonate hydrate

• Rare earth carbonate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
2ScCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Sc₂(CO₃)₃ + 6NaCl

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, EU/UK suppliers, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 98% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Scandium 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. Scandium compounds are generally considered of low toxicity but should be handled with appropriate precautions.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

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

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Scandium 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

Scandium 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:

Scandium Carbonate Hydrate (Sc₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O, CAS 5809-49-4) is a white, crystalline powder with molecular weight varying from approximately 288 to 366 g/mol depending on hydration degree. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in mineral acids. Thermal decomposition yields scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃).

Its most important application is as a precursor for scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃) used in aluminum-scandium master alloys for aerospace and automotive applications. Scandium-aluminum alloys offer high strength-to-weight ratio, improved weldability, and excellent corrosion resistance. It is also used in advanced ceramics, solid oxide fuel cells, catalysts, thin film coatings, and nanotechnology.

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

• SCANDIUM SUPPLY: Scandium is a rare and valuable element with limited supply

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. ALUMINUM-SCANDIUM ALLOY CRITICALITY: Scandium is critical for high-performance aluminum-scandium alloys used in aerospace and automotive applications. These alloys offer high strength-to-weight ratio, improved weldability, and excellent corrosion resistance. Sc₂O₃ is the primary intermediate for Al-Sc master alloy production.

2. SCANDIUM SUPPLY AND VALUE: Scandium is one of the most expensive rare earth elements due to limited supply. High purity is essential for applications as impurities can affect alloy and optical properties. The compound is valued for specialized applications.

3. 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.

4. Sc₂O₃ PRECURSOR: This compound is the primary precursor for scandium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the purity and properties of the final Sc₂O₃ product.

5. HYDRATION CONTROL: Hydration degree varies and affects molecular weight calculations. Proper characterization of water content is important for stoichiometric calculations.

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

7. 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 Scandium Carbonate.