Thulium Nitrate Hydrate, Thulium Trinitrate Hexahydrate, 36548‑87‑5

THULIUM NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE (THULIUM(III) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Thulium(III) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 36548-87-5
EC Number: 609-064-0
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:

Thulium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Tm(NO₃)₃·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of thulium in the +3 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization. The compound features thulium ions coordinated by nitrate groups and water molecules. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. The compound is highly hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers. Thulium compounds are critical for laser and optical applications, particularly in 2-micron solid-state lasers for medical, military, and remote sensing applications.

Structural Features:

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• Highly water-soluble

• Light green appearance

• Highly hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties (UN 1477)

• Lanthanide contraction effects visible in coordination behavior

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Thulium Nitrate Hexahydrate is a light green, highly hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 450.95 g/mol. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials. Thulium compounds are critical for laser and optical applications.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Thulium 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

Thulium 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 thulium compounds via precipitation reactions. Upon heating, it decomposes to thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
Tm₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Tm(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
4Tm(NO₃)₃ → 2Tm₂O₃ + 12NO₂↑ + 3O₂↑

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

Oxalate Precipitation:
2Tm(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂C₂O₄ → Tm₂(C₂O₄)₃ ↓ + 6HNO₃

5. SPECIFICATIONS (HIGH PURITY)

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

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Laser and Optical Applications (Most Important Application)

Thulium compounds are critical for laser and optical applications. Thulium-doped solid-state lasers operate in the 2-micron wavelength range, which has applications in medicine (surgery, dermatology), military (range-finding, targeting), and remote sensing (atmospheric monitoring). Thulium-doped fiber amplifiers (TDFA) are also used in telecommunications.

6.2. Advanced Ceramics

6.3. Catalyst and Chemical Synthesis

6.4. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

8. COMMON NAMES

• Thulium nitrate salt

• Light green crystalline powder

• Rare earth nitrate

• Thulium trinitrate

• Laser material precursor

• Tm nitrate

9. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Tm₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Tm(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Production Types: High purity grades (hexahydrate form)

Major Producing Countries: China, United States, Japan

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

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Thulium 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

Thulium 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

Thulium 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 highly hygroscopic nature, handle in dry conditions

14. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Thulium 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:

Thulium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Tm(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, CAS 36548-87-5) is a light green, highly hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 450.95 g/mol. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol. Thermal decomposition yields thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃).

Its most important application is as a precursor for thulium-doped laser materials. Thulium-doped solid-state lasers operating at 2 microns have critical applications in medicine (surgery), military (range-finding, targeting), and remote sensing (atmospheric monitoring). It is also used in thulium-doped fiber amplifiers (TDFA) for telecommunications, advanced ceramics, 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. It is harmful if swallowed (H302) . Due to its highly hygroscopic nature, it must be stored in airtight containers away from moisture and away from combustible and reducing agents. 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): Thulium 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: Thulium is critical for 2-micron solid-state lasers used in medical, military, and remote sensing applications. High purity (99.9% and above) is essential for laser crystal production.

3. HIGHLY HYGROSCOPIC: Thulium Nitrate is highly hygroscopic. It must be stored in airtight containers and handled in dry conditions.

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. THULIUM SUPPLY: Thulium is one of the rarest rare earth elements. Its supply chain is limited, making it a critical material for specialized 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. 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 Thulium Nitrate. Due to its oxidizing nature, hygroscopicity, and critical laser applications, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use.