Yttrium Nitrate Hexahydrate, Yttrium Nitrate, 13494-98-9

YTTRIUM NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE (YTTRIUM(III) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Yttrium(III) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 13494-98-9
EC Number: 233-802-6
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19
HS Code: 284690.10

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Yttrium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Y(NO₃)₃·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of yttrium in the +3 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization. Yttrium is a transition metal that exhibits similar chemical properties to lanthanides and is classified as a rare earth element. The compound features yttrium ions coordinated by nitrate groups and water molecules. It has exceptionally high solubility in water (~2300 g/L). The compound is hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers. Yttrium compounds are critical for advanced ceramics, optical materials, electronics, and laser technologies.

Structural Features:

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• Exceptionally high water solubility (~2300 g/L)

• White crystalline appearance

• Hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties (UN 1477)

• Lanthanide-like chemical behavior

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Yttrium Nitrate Hexahydrate is a white, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 383.01 g/mol, density of ~2.68 g/cm³, and melting point of 51.8°C. It has exceptionally high solubility in water (~2300 g/L). The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials. Aqueous solutions are weakly acidic (pH ~3.5, 5% solution). Thermal decomposition yields yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃).

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Yttrium Nitrate has exceptionally high solubility in water (~2300 g/L). This property makes it an ideal precursor for aqueous solution synthesis, sol-gel processes, precipitation reactions, and various material processing applications. It is also soluble in alcohols.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Yttrium Nitrate is a strong oxidizer that can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials. Its high solubility makes it an ideal precursor for the preparation of other yttrium compounds (oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate, etc.) via precipitation reactions. Upon heating, it decomposes to yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
Y₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Y(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
4Y(NO₃)₃ → 2Y₂O₃ + 12NO₂↑ + 3O₂↑

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

Oxalate Precipitation:
2Y(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂C₂O₄ → Y₂(C₂O₄)₃ ↓ + 6HNO₃

Phosphate Precipitation:
Y(NO₃)₃ + H₃PO₄ → YPO₄ ↓ + 3HNO₃

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Yttrium Nitrate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99.8%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades are essential for optical, electronic, laser, and advanced ceramic applications. Technical grades are suitable for metallurgical and general industrial applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Advanced Ceramics and Glass Production (Most Important Application)

Yttrium Nitrate is a critical precursor in advanced ceramics and glass production. It is used as a yttrium source in the production of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). YSZ is an important ceramic material used in high-temperature applications (fuel cells, oxygen sensors, thermal barrier coatings). It is also the preferred precursor for high-purity yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) production.

6.2. Optical and Electronic Materials

Yttrium Nitrate is used as a yttrium source in the production of YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser crystals. It is also used as a precursor for thin film coatings, dielectric films, and phosphor materials.

6.3. Superconductors and Magnetic Materials

Yttrium Nitrate is used in the production of YBCO (yttrium barium copper oxide) superconductors and YIG (yttrium iron garnet) magnetic materials.

6.4. Catalyst and Chemical Synthesis

6.5. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

8. COMMON NAMES

• Yttrium nitrate salt

• White crystalline powder

• Yttria precursor

• Rare earth nitrate

• Yttrium trinitrate

• Y(NO₃)₃·6H₂O

9. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Y₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Y(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades (hexahydrate form)

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

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99.8% to 99.99%

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Yttrium 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 industrial and research use only; not for therapeutic or food applications.

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Yttrium 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

Yttrium 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

Yttrium 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:

Yttrium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Y(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, CAS 13494-98-9) is a white, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 383.01 g/mol, density of ~2.68 g/cm³, and melting point of 51.8°C. It has exceptionally high solubility in water (~2300 g/L). Thermal decomposition yields yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃). Aqueous solutions are weakly acidic (pH ~3.5, 5% solution).

Its most important application is as a precursor in advanced ceramics and glass production. It is a critical yttrium source in the production of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). It is also used in YAG laser crystals, YBCO superconductors, YIG magnetic materials, phosphor materials, optical thin films, and high-purity yttrium oxide production. It is widely used as a reagent in 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): Yttrium 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. EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH SOLUBILITY: With ~2300 g/L solubility in water, Yttrium Nitrate is an ideal precursor for aqueous processes, sol-gel methods, precipitation reactions, and material synthesis.

3. HYGROSCOPIC: Yttrium Nitrate is hygroscopic. It must be stored in airtight containers and handled in dry conditions. Prolonged exposure to air can cause mass changes and dissolution.

4. ADVANCED CERAMIC APPLICATIONS: Yttrium Nitrate is the most important yttrium precursor for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) production. YSZ is used in critical applications such as fuel cells, oxygen sensors, and thermal barrier coatings.

5. YAG LASER APPLICATIONS: High purity (99.99% and above) is required for YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) laser crystal production. Trace impurities directly affect laser performance.

6. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19 (HS Code: 284690.10).

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. THERMAL DECOMPOSITION: Yttrium Nitrate is a preferred precursor for high-purity yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) production via thermal decomposition. Y₂O₃ is widely used in advanced ceramics and optical materials.

10. SOL-GEL PROCESSES: Due to high solubility and hydrolysis properties, Yttrium Nitrate is an ideal starting material for thin film and nanoparticle production via sol-gel processes.

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 Yttrium Nitrate. Due to its oxidizing nature, hygroscopicity, and critical role in advanced technology applications, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use.