| Samarium(III) oxide | |
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Other names
samarium sesquioxide |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 12060-58-1 |
| ChemSpider | 140199 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | Sm2O3 |
| Molar mass | 348.72 g/mol |
| Appearance | yellow-white crystals |
| Density | 8.347 g/cm3 |
| Melting point |
2335 °C |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| Structure | |
| Crystal structure | cubic |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification | not listed |
| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Samarium(III) oxide (Sm2O3) is a chemical compound.
Contents |
Samarium(III) oxide is used in optical and infrared absorbing glass to absorb infrared radiation. Also, it is used as a neutron absorber in control rods for nuclear power reactors. The oxide catalyzes dehydration of acyclic primary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. Another use involves preparation of other samarium salts. [1]
Samarium(III) oxide may be prepared by two methods:
1. thermal decomposition of samarium(III) carbonate, hydroxide, nitrate, oxalate or sulfate:
2. by burning the metal in air or oxygen at a temperature above 150 °C:
Samarium(III) oxide dissolves in mineral acids, forming salts upon evaporation and crystallization:
The oxide can be reduced to metallic samarium by heating with a reducing agent, such as hydrogen or carbon monoxide, at elevated temperatures.
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