Holmium Nitrate Pentahydrate, Holmium Nitrate Hydrate, Holmium Trinitrate Pentahydrate, 14483‑18‑2

HOLMIUM NITRATE PENTAHYDRATE (HOLMIUM(III) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Holmium(III) Nitrate Pentahydrate
CAS Number: 14483-18-2
EC Number: 238-434-0
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19
HS Code: 283429

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Holmium Nitrate Pentahydrate (Ho(NO₃)₃·5H₂O) is the nitrate salt of holmium in the +3 oxidation state, containing five molecules of water of crystallization. Holmium is a lanthanide element with one of the highest magnetic moments among naturally occurring elements. The compound features holmium ions coordinated by nitrate groups and water molecules. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. The compound is hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers. Holmium compounds are used in laser technology (holmium-doped lasers for medical and military applications), optical materials, and advanced ceramics.

Structural Features:

• Pentahydrate form (5 water molecules)

• Highly water-soluble

• Light yellow appearance

• Hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties (UN 1477)

• High magnetic moment (10.6 µB)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Holmium Nitrate Pentahydrate is a light yellow, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 446.96 g/mol and density of approximately 2.5 g/cm³. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials. Holmium has one of the highest magnetic moments (10.6 µB) among all elements, making its compounds valuable for magnetic and laser applications.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Holmium Nitrate is highly soluble in water and ethanol. This property makes it an ideal precursor for aqueous solution synthesis, precipitation reactions, and various material processing applications.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Holmium Nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials. Its high solubility makes it an ideal precursor for the preparation of other holmium compounds via precipitation reactions. Upon heating, it decomposes to holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
Ho₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Ho(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
4Ho(NO₃)₃ → 2Ho₂O₃ + 12NO₂↑ + 3O₂↑

Hydroxide Precipitation:
Ho(NO₃)₃ + 3NaOH → Ho(OH)₃ ↓ + 3NaNO₃

Oxalate Precipitation:
2Ho(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂C₂O₄ → Ho₂(C₂O₄)₃ ↓ + 6HNO₃

5. SPECIFICATIONS (HIGH PURITY)

Holmium Nitrate Pentahydrate is available in high purity grades (≥ 99.9% rare earth purity) for research, optical, laser, and electronic applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Laser and Optical Applications (Most Important Application)

Holmium compounds are critical for laser and optical applications. Holmium-doped solid-state lasers (Ho:YAG) operate at 2.1 microns and have important applications in medicine (surgery, lithotripsy), military, and telecommunications. Holmium has one of the highest magnetic moments among all elements, making it also valuable for magnetic applications.

6.2. Advanced Ceramics

6.3. Catalyst and Chemical Synthesis

6.4. Magnetic Materials

6.5. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

8. COMMON NAMES

• Holmium nitrate salt

• Light yellow crystalline powder

• Rare earth nitrate

• Holmium trinitrate

• Laser material precursor

• Ho nitrate

• Holmium(III) nitrate

9. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Ho₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Ho(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Production Types: High purity grades (pentahydrate form)

Major Producing Countries: China, United States, Japan

Commercial Purity: 99.9% and above (rare earth purity)

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Holmium Nitrate is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Harmful if swallowed (H302) . The product is for research use only; not for therapeutic or food applications.

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Holmium Nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance (UN 1477, Class 5.1) . Transport must be conducted away from combustible and flammable materials.

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Holmium Nitrate is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.

13. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• CRITICAL: This compound is a strong oxidizer (UN 1477). Keep away from combustible materials.

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

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

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Store in airtight containers away from moisture

• Separate from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials

• Protect from light

• Due to hygroscopic nature, handle in dry conditions

14. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Holmium Nitrate is not flammable but is a strong oxidizer that may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Thermal decomposition may release toxic nitrogen oxides.

15. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Due to its oxidizing nature, avoid contact with combustible materials. Clean up using dry methods.

16. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Nitrate salts can cause methemoglobinemia in cases of severe ingestion

• Medical personnel should be informed about nitrate salt exposure

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

17. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

17.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

17.2. Downstream Products

18. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS

19. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Holmium Nitrate Pentahydrate (Ho(NO₃)₃·5H₂O, CAS 14483-18-2) is a light yellow, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 446.96 g/mol and density of approximately 2.5 g/cm³. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. Thermal decomposition yields holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃). Holmium has one of the highest magnetic moments among all elements (10.6 µB), making its compounds valuable for magnetic and laser applications.

Its most important application is as a precursor for holmium-doped laser materials. Holmium-doped solid-state lasers (Ho:YAG) operating at 2.1 microns have critical applications in medicine (surgery, lithotripsy), military, and telecommunications. It is also used in optical materials, advanced ceramics, catalyst synthesis, and as a laboratory reagent for rare earth chemistry research.

The compound is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477, Class 5.1) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Harmful if swallowed (H302) . Due to its hygroscopic nature, it must be stored in airtight containers away from moisture and combustible materials. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• OXIDIZER: UN 1477, Class 5.1, Packing Group II

• OXIDIZER: H272 (May intensify fire; oxidizer)

• HARMFUL: H302 (Harmful if swallowed)

• HYGROSCOPIC: Must be stored in airtight containers

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, away from combustibles

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. STRONG OXIDIZER (UN 1477): Holmium Nitrate is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477, Class 5.1). It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Store separately from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials.

2. LASER APPLICATIONS: Holmium is critical for 2.1-micron solid-state lasers (Ho:YAG) used in medical, military, and telecommunication applications. High purity (99.9% and above) is essential for laser crystal production.

3. HIGH MAGNETIC MOMENT: Holmium has one of the highest magnetic moments (10.6 µB) among all elements, making its compounds valuable for magnetic materials research and applications.

4. HYGROSCOPIC: Holmium Nitrate is hygroscopic. It must be stored in airtight containers and handled in dry conditions.

5. HIGH SOLUBILITY: With excellent water solubility, Holmium Nitrate is ideal for aqueous processing, precipitation reactions, and material synthesis.

6. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19 (HS Code: 283429).

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

8. FIRE SAFETY: In case of fire, use water spray, CO₂, or dry chemical powder. Fire may release toxic nitrogen oxide fumes. Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing.

9. HOLMIUM SUPPLY: Holmium is a heavy rare earth element with limited supply. Its compounds are valuable for specialized applications.

10. PENTAHYDRATE FORM: Note that this compound is pentahydrate (5 H₂O), unlike some other rare earth nitrates which are hexahydrate (6 H₂O). This affects stoichiometry and molecular weight calculations.

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. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Holmium Nitrate. Due to its oxidizing nature, hygroscopicity, and critical laser applications, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use.