Gadolinium Carbonate Hydrate, Gadolinium Tricarbonate Hydrate, 38245-36-2

GADOLINIUM CARBONATE HYDRATE (GADOLINIUM(III) CARBONATE) 

Chemical Name: Gadolinium(III) Carbonate Hydrate
CAS Number: 38245-36-2
EC Number: 227-583-6
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Gadolinium Carbonate Hydrate (Gd₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O) is the carbonate salt of gadolinium in the +3 oxidation state, containing variable amounts of water of crystallization. It is a white, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in acids. Gadolinium is a lanthanide element with the highest neutron absorption cross-section of any element (~49,000 barns for Gd-157), making it valuable for nuclear applications and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. Gadolinium Carbonate is an important precursor for gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) production and is used in catalysts, ceramics, optical glasses, and nanomaterials.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Readily dissolves in acids

• White powder appearance

• Thermal decomposition yields Gd₂O₃

• Key precursor for gadolinium compounds

• High neutron absorption cross-section

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Gadolinium Carbonate Hydrate is a white, odorless powder with a molecular weight of 494.53 g/mol on an anhydrous basis . It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids . Upon heating, it decomposes to gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) with the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Gadolinium has the highest neutron absorption cross-section of any element, making it valuable for specialized nuclear applications.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

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

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Gadolinium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate. Upon heating, it decomposes to gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃). It readily dissolves in acids to form gadolinium salts and is an important precursor for various gadolinium compounds.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Thermal Decomposition:
Gd₂(CO₃)₃ → Gd₂O₃ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)

Acid Dissolution:
Gd₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2GdCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O

Precipitation Reaction:
2Gd³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Gd₂(CO₃)₃ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (HIGH PURITY)

Gadolinium Carbonate is available in high purity grades ranging from 99.9% to 99.999% . High purity grades are essential for optical, electronic, nuclear, and research applications .

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃) Production (Most Important Application)

Gadolinium Carbonate is the primary precursor for gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to Gd₂O₃, which is used in catalysts, ceramics, and optical applications.

6.2. Medical Imaging (MRI Contrast Agents)

Gadolinium Carbonate is used for making intravenous MRI contrast agents to enhance images in medical magnetic resonance imaging and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) procedures .

6.3. Nuclear Applications

6.4. Optical and Phosphor Applications

High purity Gadolinium Carbonate is used for making phosphors for color TV tubes and energy-saving lamps . It is also used for making Gadolinium Yttrium Garnet (Gd:YAG) which has microwave applications and is used in fabrication of various optical components and as substrate material for magneto-optical films .

6.5. Catalyst Applications

6.6. Nanotechnology

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Gadolinium carbonate

• White carbonate powder

• Rare earth carbonate

• Gd₂(CO₃)₃

• Gadolinium salt

• Gadolinium tricarbonate hydrate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
2GdCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Gd₂(CO₃)₃ + 6NaCl

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades (99.9% - 99.999%) 

Major Producing Countries: China, United States, Japan, Europe

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Gadolinium Carbonate may cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory tract irritation . All products are for research and development use only; not approved for food, cosmetics, drugs, or consumer products . Gadolinium compounds have high neutron absorption properties and should be handled with care in nuclear applications.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Gadolinium Carbonate Hydrate is not classified as dangerous goods for transport.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Gadolinium 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 a cool, dry, well-ventilated area 

• Keep container tightly closed 

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

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

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

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

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:

Gadolinium Carbonate Hydrate (Gd₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O, CAS 38245-36-2) is a white, water-insoluble powder with a molecular weight of 494.53 g/mol on an anhydrous basis . It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Thermal decomposition yields gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃). Gadolinium has the highest neutron absorption cross-section of any element (~49,000 barns for Gd-157).

Its most important applications include use as a precursor for gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) , in the synthesis of MRI contrast agents , for optical glass and phosphors (including color TV tubes and energy-saving lamps) , and in Gadolinium Yttrium Garnet (Gd:YAG) for microwave and optical components . It is also used in catalysts, nuclear applications, and nanotechnology.

The compound may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation (H315, H319, H335) . All products are for research and development use only; not approved for food, cosmetics, drugs, or consumer products . Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions .

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation (H315, H319, H335) 

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

• USAGE: For research only; not for food/cosmetics/drugs 

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask 

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. HIGH NEUTRON ABSORPTION: Gadolinium, particularly the Gd-157 isotope (~49,000 barns), has the highest neutron absorption cross-section of any element. This makes gadolinium valuable for nuclear reactor control rods, neutron radiography, and neutron capture therapy applications.

2. MRI CONTRAST AGENT PRECURSOR: Gadolinium compounds are the basis for MRI contrast agents due to their high paramagnetic properties. Gadolinium Carbonate is a key precursor for synthesizing these medical imaging agents .

3. OPTICAL AND PHOSPHOR APPLICATIONS: High purity Gadolinium Carbonate is used for making phosphors for color TV tubes and energy-saving lamps . It is also used in Gadolinium Yttrium Garnet (Gd:YAG) for microwave applications and optical components .

4. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: All products are for research and development use only and must be handled by technically-qualified persons. These products are explicitly not intended for use in foods, cosmetics, drugs, or consumer products .

5. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00.

6. STORAGE: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from acids .

7. SAFETY DATA: Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information before use.

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 products are for research and development use only; not intended for food, cosmetics, drugs, or consumer products . All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Gadolinium Carbonate.