YTTRIUM SULFATE OCTAHYDRATE

Chemical properties

Small, reddish-white, monosymmetric crystals. D 2.558, loses 8H2O at 120C, decomposes 700C. Soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid; sparingly soluble in water; insoluble in alkalies.

Physical properties

Red monoclinic crystals; density 2.59 g/cm³; loses all its water molecules at 120°C; decomposes at 700°C; sparingly soluble in water, less soluble in hot water; dissolves in concentrated sulfuric acid forming Y(HSO4)3; insoluble in alkalis; forms double salts with alkali sulfates.

The Uses of YTTRIUM SULFATE OCTAHYDRATE

Yttrium sulfate is used in making many yttrium salts.

The Uses of YTTRIUM SULFATE OCTAHYDRATE

Yttrium(III) sulfate octahydrate is used as a laboratory reagent, colorant, structural ceramics, optical glasses and catalysts. It finds application in electrical components and photo-optical materials.

Preparation

Yttrium sulfate is produced as an intermediate in recovering yttrium from monazite or xenotime (see Yttrium, Recovery). Rare earth sulfates are separated on a cation exchange resin bed. Yttrium fraction is purified by fractional crystallization. Alternatively, yttrium sulfate may be prepared by reacting yttrium oxide with sulfuric acid.