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Send EmailErbium Carbonate, Erbium Tricarbonate; Dierbium Tricarbonate, 6067-35-2
ERBIUM CARBONATE (ERBIUM(III) CARBONATE)
Chemical Name: Erbium(III) Carbonate / Dierbium Tricarbonate
CAS Number: 6067-35-2
EC Number: 228-003-4
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | Erbium(III) carbonate |
| Other Names | Erbium Carbonate, Erbium Tricarbonate, Dierbium Tricarbonate |
| CAS Number | 6067-35-2 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 228-003-4 |
| Molecular Formula | Er₂(CO₃)₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 514.54 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Crystal Structure | Hydrated forms exist |
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:
Erbium Carbonate (Er₂(CO₃)₃) is the carbonate salt of erbium in the +3 oxidation state. It is a white, crystalline powder that is insoluble in water but readily reacts with acids, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Erbium is a lanthanide element with characteristic optical properties, particularly in the infrared region for laser and fiber optic applications. Erbium Carbonate is a key precursor for erbium oxide (Er₂O₃) production and is used in ceramics, specialty glasses, optical fibers, and laser systems.
Structural Features:
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Insoluble in water
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Reacts with acids releasing CO₂
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White crystalline appearance
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Thermal decomposition yields Er₂O₃
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Key precursor for erbium-based optical materials
2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | Er₂(CO₃)₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 514.54 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | Not established |
| Melting Point | Not distinct; decomposes on heating |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~300-600°C (to Er₂O₃) |
| Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
| Solubility in Acids | Reacts (CO₂ release) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Insoluble |
| Hygroscopicity | Not hygroscopic |
| Thermal Decomposition | Er₂(CO₃)₃ → Er₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ |
| Optical Properties | Infrared emission (laser and fiber optic applications) |
Erbium Carbonate is a white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is insoluble in water but reacts with acids, releasing carbon dioxide. Upon heating, it decomposes to erbium oxide (Er₂O₃). Erbium compounds are well-known for their optical properties, particularly in the infrared region where they are used in fiber optic amplifiers and solid-state lasers.
3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent | Solubility | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble | All temperatures |
| Dilute Acids | Reacts | CO₂ release, forms Er³⁺ salts |
| Hydrochloric Acid | Reacts | ErCl₃ formation |
| Nitric Acid | Reacts | Er(NO₃)₃ formation |
| Sulfuric Acid | Reacts | Er₂(SO₄)₃ formation |
| Organic Solvents | Insoluble | - |
Erbium Carbonate is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It reacts with dilute acids, releasing carbon dioxide and forming the corresponding erbium(III) salts. This reactivity makes it a versatile precursor for various erbium compounds.
4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Inorganic carbonate / Rare earth metal carbonate |
| Oxidation State | Er³⁺ (+3) |
| Thermal Decomposition | Er₂(CO₃)₃ → Er₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-600°C) |
| Acid Reaction | Reacts with acids forming Er³⁺ salts and CO₂ |
| Precipitation | Forms insoluble carbonates from Er³⁺ solutions |
| Hydrolysis | Negligible in aqueous suspensions |
| Complex Formation | Forms complexes with various ligands |
Erbium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to erbium oxide (Er₂O₃). It reacts with acids to form erbium salts with the release of carbon dioxide. It is an important precursor for various erbium compounds used in optical and electronic applications.
Key Chemical Reactions:
Thermal Decomposition:
Er₂(CO₃)₃ → Er₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-600°C)
Acid Reaction:
Er₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2ErCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O
Precipitation Reaction:
2Er³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Er₂(CO₃)₃ ↓
5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)
| Parameter | Technical Grade | High Purity |
|---|---|---|
| Purity (Er₂(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 |
Erbium Carbonate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for optical, laser, and fiber optic applications where trace impurities significantly affect performance.
6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES
6.1. Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Precursor | Thermal decomposition yields high-purity Er₂O₃ |
| Optical Material Precursor | Used for preparing erbium-based optical materials |
| Ceramic Materials | Used in advanced ceramic production |
Erbium Carbonate is the primary precursor for erbium oxide (Er₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Er₂O₃, which is essential for optical fibers, lasers, and ceramic applications.
6.2. Optical Fibers and Laser Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Er-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) | Critical for telecommunications fiber optics |
| Solid-State Lasers | Used in erbium-doped laser systems |
| Infrared Optics | Used in IR optical components |
| Upconversion Materials | Used in upconversion phosphor synthesis |
Erbium compounds are critical for optical fiber amplifiers (EDFA) used in telecommunications and solid-state lasers. Erbium-doped materials emit in the infrared region, making them ideal for fiber optic communication systems.
6.3. Specialty Glass and Ceramics
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Optical Glass | Used in specialty glass formulations |
| Glass Coloring | Used for pink/red coloration in glass |
| Ceramic Pigments | Used in ceramic pigment formulations |
| Advanced Ceramics | Used in high-performance ceramic production |
Erbium Carbonate is used to produce pink/red colored glasses and ceramics. It is also used in specialty optical glass formulations for infrared applications.
6.4. Nanotechnology and Coatings
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Er₂O₃ Nanoparticles | Source material for nanoparticle production |
| Sputtering Targets | Precursor for thin film deposition targets |
| Thin Film Coatings | Used in optical coating applications |
| Nanomaterials | Used in advanced nanomaterial synthesis |
6.5. Research and Laboratory Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical Reagent | Used in erbium determination and analysis |
| Chemical Synthesis | Precursor for other erbium compounds |
| Materials Science | Used in advanced materials research |
7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS
| Product | Description | Preference Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) | Direct use in ceramics and optics | Already oxidized form |
| Erbium Hydroxide (Er(OH)₃) | Alternative precursor for Er₂O₃ | Different decomposition pathway |
| Erbium Nitrate (Er(NO₃)₃) | Soluble erbium source | Water-soluble, easy processing |
| Lanthanide Carbonates (La₂(CO₃)₃, Ce₂(CO₃)₃) | Similar rare earth carbonate functions | Different optical properties |
| Holmium Carbonate (Ho₂(CO₃)₃) | Alternative for optical applications | Different emission characteristics |
8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE
| Sector / Application | Suitability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics & Glass | Suitable | Additive in specialty compositions |
| Optics & Lasers | High | Er₂O₃ for laser and fiber optic systems |
| Coatings (PVD/Sputter) | Suitable | Oxide target precursor |
| Nanotechnology | Suitable | Er₂O₃ nanoparticle synthesis |
| Telecommunications | High | Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) |
| Cosmetics | Not Suitable | Direct use not recommended |
| Food & Pharmaceuticals | Prohibited | Not permitted due to carbonate structure |
9. COMMON NAMES
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Erbium carbonate
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White carbonate powder
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Optical additive
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Erbium salt
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Erbium tricarbonate
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Dierbium tricarbonate
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Rare earth carbonate
10. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Starting Material | Erbium-containing rare earth solutions or salts |
| Purification | Purification of erbium salt solution |
| Precipitation | Carbonate precipitation with sodium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate |
| Reaction | 2Er³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Er₂(CO₃)₃ ↓ |
| Filtration | Separation of precipitate from mother liquor |
| Washing | Washing to remove impurities |
| Drying | Drying at 100-150°C |
| Grinding | Grinding to desired particle size |
| Packaging | Packaging |
Reaction Equation:
2ErCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Er₂(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: Erbium 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.
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. (Erbium carbonate) |
| Marine Pollutant | Yes |
| ADR/RID Label | 9 |
Erbium 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 |
| EINECS | 228-003-4 |
| Customs Tariff Code | 2836.99.00.00 |
Erbium 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 hygroscopic |
| Packaging Options | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg |
Handling Notes:
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Avoid dust formation and inhalation
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Avoid skin and eye contact (use protective gloves and safety goggles)
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Use in well-ventilated areas
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Keep away from acids (reaction releases CO₂)
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Prevent environmental release
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 | Erbium oxides, CO₂ |
Erbium 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 erbium |
| Bastnäsite | Rare earth carbonate mineral |
| Xenotime | Yttrium-rich, erbium-containing mineral |
| Erbium Chloride (ErCl₃) | Starting material for precipitation |
| Erbium Nitrate (Er(NO₃)₃) | Alternative starting material |
| Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) | Precipitation agent |
18.2. Downstream Products
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) | Optical fibers, lasers, ceramics |
| Er-Doped Optical Fibers | Telecommunications (EDFA) |
| Er-Doped Laser Crystals | Solid-state lasers |
| Erbium-Doped Phosphors | Upconversion materials |
| Erbium Compounds | Various specialty applications |
19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS
| Parameter | Analytical Method | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | Titration / ICP | Complexometric titration or ICP analysis |
| Erbium Content | Gravimetric / ICP | Determined as Er₂O₃ |
| Carbonate Content | Gravimetric | CO₂ 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 Er₂O₃ |
| Appearance | Visual | White powder |
| Particle Size | Laser Diffraction | Particle size distribution |
| Solubility (Acid) | Visual | Reacts with acid (CO₂ release) |
20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
SUMMARY:
Erbium Carbonate (Er₂(CO₃)₃, CAS 6067-35-2) is a white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 514.54 g/mol. It is insoluble in water but reacts with acids releasing CO₂. Thermal decomposition yields erbium oxide (Er₂O₃). Erbium compounds are well-known for their optical properties in the infrared region.
Its most important application is as a precursor for erbium oxide (Er₂O₃) used in optical fibers, lasers, and ceramic applications. Erbium is critical for telecommunications through Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) and for solid-state lasers. It is also used in specialty glass, ceramic pigments, 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:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Chemical Formula | Er₂(CO₃)₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 514.54 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 6067-35-2 |
| EC Number | 228-003-4 |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Primary Use | Er₂O₃ precursor, optical materials |
Major Application Areas:
| Sector | Applications |
|---|---|
| Telecommunications | Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) |
| Optics & Lasers | Solid-state lasers, infrared optics |
| Ceramics & Glass | Specialty glass, ceramic pigments |
| Nanotechnology | Er₂O₃ nanoparticles |
| Research | Chemical synthesis, materials science |
Key Safety Points:
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ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS: UN 3077
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IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation
-
STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from acids
-
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask
-
REACTIVITY: Reacts with acids releasing CO₂
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
OPTICAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS: Erbium compounds are critical for Er-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) used in telecommunications and for solid-state lasers. High purity (99.99% and above) is essential for these applications as trace impurities directly affect optical performance.
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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.
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ACID REACTIVITY: Erbium Carbonate reacts with acids releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Storage must be away from acids. When dissolving in acids, appropriate ventilation should be provided to prevent CO₂ buildup.
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PRECURSOR FOR Er₂O₃: This compound is the primary precursor for erbium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the properties of the final Er₂O₃ product, including particle size, purity, and optical performance.
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CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00. Correct classification is essential for international trade.
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REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.
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HYGROSCOPICITY: Erbium Carbonate is not hygroscopic, providing ease of storage and handling compared to some other rare earth salts.
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SUPPLY AND CRITICALITY: Erbium is a critical rare earth element with limited supply. Its compounds are considered strategic materials for telecommunications and defense 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 Erbium Carbonate.
