Indium Sulfate, Diindium Trisulfate, 13464‑82‑9

Indium Sulfate, Diindium Trisulfate, 13464‑82‑9

INDIUM(III) SULFATE TECHNICAL DATA SHEET (TDS)

Chemical Name: Indium(III) Sulfate / Diindium Trisulfate
CAS Number: 13464-82-9
EC Number: 236-689-1
HS Code: 283429

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND EXPLANATION

Chemical Structure and Bonding:

Indium(III) Sulfate is an ionic compound composed of two Indium (In³⁺) cations and three Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) anions. Indium is in the +3 oxidation state (trivalent) in this compound.

Molecular Formula Representation:

In₂(SO₄)₃

This formula indicates the following structure:

• 2 Indium ions (In³⁺): Central metal atoms.

• 3 Sulfate groups (SO₄²⁻): Tetrahedral anions, each consisting of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.

Crystal Structure and Ionic Arrangement:

In the crystal structure, each In³⁺ ion is coordinated by oxygen atoms (typically octahedral geometry). Sulfate ions act as bridges between these indium centers. This structure imparts high thermal stability and water solubility to the compound. However, when exposed to high temperatures, the sulfate groups decompose, forming indium oxide (In₂O₃) and sulfur oxides (SOx).

Simplified Ionic Representation:

        In³⁺   SO₄²⁻
         \     /
          In₂(SO₄)₃
         /     \
        SO₄²⁻  SO₄²⁻

(An ionic crystal lattice composed of 2 In³⁺ ions and 3 SO₄²⁻ ions)

Structural Properties:

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Important Physical Notes:

• Indium(III) Sulfate is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air and may cake or dissolve over time. This requires special packaging and storage conditions.

• When dissolved in water, the solution becomes acidic due to the hydrolysis of In³⁺ ions (pH typically between 3-5).

• High purity grades (98% - 99.99%) are available for analytical and rare earth research applications.

• In addition to the anhydrous form, various hydrate forms exist (e.g., In₂(SO₄)₃·xH₂O).

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Important Reactions:

1. Thermal Decomposition:

This reaction is the primary method used for producing indium oxide.

In₂(SO₄)₃ → In₂O₃ + 3 SO₃ (high temperature, >600°C)

2. Reaction with Bases (Precipitation):

Indium hydroxide precipitates, which can be used as an intermediate in indium oxide production.

In₂(SO₄)₃ + 6 NaOH → 2 In(OH)₃ ↓ + 3 Na₂SO₄

3. Dissolution and Hydrolysis in Water:

Hydrolysis of indium ions causes the solution to become acidic.

In³⁺ + H₂O ⇌ In(OH)²⁺ + H⁺

4. Precipitation with Ammonia:

In₂(SO₄)₃ + 6 NH₃ + 6 H₂O → 2 In(OH)₃ ↓ + 3 (NH₄)₂SO₄

5. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

5.1. Electronics and Optoelectronics (Most Important Application)

Indium Sulfate is a precursor material used in the production of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). ITO is a transparent conductive oxide critical for smartphone displays, tablets, OLED TVs, touch panels, and solar panels. It is also used in the semiconductor industry for thin-film transistors and other electronic components.

5.2. Laboratory and Research

5.3. Advanced Ceramics and Glass

5.4. Metallurgy and Surface Treatment

6. SECTORAL SUITABILITY TABLE

7. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Safety Precautions:

• Avoid dust formation.

• Work in well-ventilated areas.

• Use protective gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

• In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

8. STORAGE AND HANDLING

9. TRANSPORT AND REGULATORY INFORMATION

10. QUALITY AND PURITY

11. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

11.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

11.2. Downstream Products

12. FIRST AID MEASURES

13. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

14. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

15. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Indium(III) Sulfate (In₂(SO₄)₃, CAS 13464-82-9) is an inorganic salt composed of two Indium (In³⁺) and three Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ions. It appears as a white crystalline powder, is soluble in water, and is highly hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing). At high temperatures, it thermally decomposes to form indium oxide (In₂O₃) and sulfur oxides.

Its most critical application is as a precursor material in the production of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) in the electronics and optoelectronics industries. ITO is a transparent conductive oxide critical for smartphone displays, OLED TVs, touch panels, and solar panels. It is also used as a laboratory reagent, catalyst, and in the production of specialty ceramics and glass.

Under GHS classification, it is an irritant. Contact with skin (H315) and eyes (H319) should be avoided. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it must be stored in a cool, dry environment in tightly closed packaging. Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used during handling to avoid inhalation of dust.

Key Properties:

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. Structure and Purity: The chemical structure requires high purity (≥ 99.99%) for electronic applications. Impurities directly affect the performance of end products like ITO.

2. Hygroscopic Property: This is the most significant physical drawback. Storage and weighing operations must not be performed in humid environments. After opening, the container must be quickly resealed and storage under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) is preferred. Moisture absorption compromises weighing accuracy and chemical stoichiometry.

3. Dust Control: The powder form can irritate the lungs if inhaled. Dust control measures must be implemented in the work area (closed systems, local exhaust ventilation) and appropriate respiratory protection (dust mask or N95/FFP2) must be used.

4. Thermal Instability: At high temperatures (>600°C), it decomposes, releasing toxic sulfur oxides (SO₂, SO₃). Thermal processes should be conducted in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods.

5. Aqueous Solution Acidity: Aqueous solutions are acidic due to hydrolysis. Appropriate protective equipment should be used when working with acidic solutions, and base solutions should be available for neutralization.

6. Environmental Precautions: As a water-soluble salt, release into the environment (particularly water sources) must be prevented. Waste solutions must not be discharged into sewers and must be disposed of according to local regulations.

7. Regulatory Compliance: Registration and notification requirements under REACH and KKDİK must be observed. Use in food, cosmetics, and textile sectors is strictly prohibited.

8. Storage Warning: After opening the package, the remaining product should be immediately transferred to a moisture-proof container and sealed after purging with an inert gas (nitrogen, argon).

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 Indium(III) Sulfate.