Erbium Nitrate Hexahydrate, Erbium Nitrate Hydrate, Erbium Trinitrate Hexahydrate, 13476‑05‑6

ERBIUM NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE (ERBIUM(III) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Erbium(III) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 13476-05-6
EC Number: 233-436-7
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.90.00.00.19

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Erbium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Er(NO₃)₃·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of erbium in the +3 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization . The compound features an erbium ion coordinated by nine oxygen atoms from three nitrate ions and six water molecules . It is highly soluble in water and ethanol . The compound is highly hygroscopic and must be stored in airtight containers. It is widely used as a soluble erbium source in optical fiber production (EDFA amplifiers), as a precursor for erbium oxide, and in nanotechnology applications .

Structural Features:

• Monoclinic crystal structure

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• Highly water-soluble

• Pink crystalline appearance

• Highly hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties (UN 1477) 

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Erbium Nitrate Hexahydrate is a pink, highly hygroscopic crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 461.37 g/mol . It is highly soluble in water and ethanol . The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials . Nitrates are excellent precursors for production of ultra-high purity compounds, catalysts, and nanoscale materials .

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Erbium Nitrate is highly soluble in water and ethanol . This property makes it an ideal precursor for aqueous solution synthesis, sol-gel processes, and hydrothermal methods .

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Erbium Nitrate is a strong oxidizer and can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials . When mixed with hydrocarbons, nitrate compounds can form a flammable mixture . Its high solubility makes it an ideal precursor for the preparation of other erbium compounds via precipitation reactions. Nitrates are excellent precursors for production of ultra-high purity compounds and certain catalysts and nanoscale materials .

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
Er₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Er(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
4Er(NO₃)₃ → 2Er₂O₃ + 12NO₂↑ + 3O₂↑

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

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Erbium Nitrate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.999%) . Ultra high purity and high purity compositions improve both optical quality and usefulness as scientific standards . High purity grades are essential for optical fiber, laser crystal, and nanomaterial applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Optical Fibers and Amplifiers (Most Important Application)

Erbium Nitrate is a critical precursor in the production of optical fiber amplifiers (EDFA) . The unique solution behavior of the nitrate precursor ensures homogeneous distribution of active Er³⁺ ions in the glass or crystal matrix, which directly affects device optical performance and reliability .

6.2. Nanotechnology and Photocatalysis

Nitrates are excellent precursors for production of ultra-high purity compounds and certain catalyst and nanoscale (nanoparticles and nanopowders) materials .

6.3. Erbium Oxide (Er₂O₃) Production

Erbium Nitrate is an advantageous precursor for erbium oxide synthesis due to its thermal decomposition characteristics.

6.4. Laboratory and Research Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Erbium nitrate salt

• Pink crystalline powder

• Optical fiber precursor

• Rare earth nitrate

• Erbium trinitrate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Er₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Er(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

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

Major Producing Countries: China, United States, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Erbium Nitrate is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials . Causes skin irritation, serious eye damage, and respiratory tract irritation . The product is not for human research only; not for therapeutic or veterinary use .

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

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

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Erbium Nitrate is registered in all major industrial markets. It is classified under customs tariff code 2846.90.00.00.19.

14. 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 

• Use under fume hood or with adequate ventilation

• Due to highly hygroscopic nature, handle in dry conditions

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Erbium 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 . Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing .

16. 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 and collect in an airtight container .

17. 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 without medical advice 

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:

Erbium Nitrate Hexahydrate (Er(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, CAS 13476-05-6) is a pink, highly hygroscopic crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 461.37 g/mol . It is highly soluble in water and ethanol . Thermal decomposition yields erbium oxide (Er₂O₃).

Its most important application is as a precursor for optical fiber amplifiers (EDFA) used in telecommunications . It is also used in nanotechnology for photocatalyst doping and nanoparticle synthesis , as a precursor for erbium oxide, and in laboratory research. Ultra high purity and high purity compositions improve both optical quality and usefulness as scientific standards .

The compound is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477, Class 5.1) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. It causes skin and eye irritation and respiratory tract irritation . IARC Group 2A classification has been noted . 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 60 months .

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

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

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

• EYE DAMAGE: Serious eye damage (H318) 

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, away from combustibles 

• CARCINOGEN: IARC Group 2A 

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. STRONG OXIDIZER (UN 1477): Erbium 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. HIGH SOLUBILITY: With excellent water solubility, Erbium Nitrate is ideal for aqueous processing, precipitation reactions, and sol-gel synthesis .

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

4. OPTICAL FIBER APPLICATIONS: High purity (99.99% and above) is required for optical fiber and laser crystal production. Ultra high purity compositions improve optical quality .

5. NITRATE PRECURSOR ADVANTAGE: Nitrates are excellent precursors for production of ultra-high purity compounds, catalysts, and nanoscale materials .

6. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19.

7. CARCINOGENICITY: IARC Group 2A classification has been noted for erbium nitrate .

8. FIRE SAFETY: In case of fire, flood with water or sand. Fire may release toxic nitrogen oxide fumes. Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing .

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 Erbium Nitrate. Due to its oxidizing nature, hygroscopicity, and environmental classification, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use.