Lutetium(III) fluoride
Lutetium(III) fluoride, also known as lutetium trifluoride, is a chemical compound with the formula LuF3. It is a part of the lanthanide series in the Periodic Table and is one of the less common compounds of Lutetium, which is the heaviest and one of the least abundant of the naturally occurring lanthanides. Lutetium(III) fluoride is used in various applications, including research into solid-state materials, lasers, and optical devices due to its unique properties.
Properties[edit | edit source]
Lutetium(III) fluoride is characterized by its high melting point and its ability to form hexagonal crystals. It is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, making it stable in a wide range of conditions. This compound exhibits luminescence, which makes it useful in phosphors and scintillation counters. Its optical properties are also of interest for the development of various optical materials, including those used in high-energy laser applications.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Lutetium(III) fluoride can be synthesized by reacting lutetium oxide (Lu2O3) with hydrofluoric acid (HF), producing LuF3 along with water. The reaction typically requires careful control of conditions to ensure the purity and crystallinity of the final product. Another method involves the direct reaction of elemental lutetium with fluorine gas, although this method is less commonly used due to the high reactivity of fluorine.
Applications[edit | edit source]
The primary applications of lutetium(III) fluoride are in the field of materials science and optical engineering. Its unique luminescent properties make it a candidate for use in phosphors and scintillation materials. Additionally, its high melting point and stability under a wide range of conditions make it suitable for use in high-temperature optical applications, such as in laser technology.
Safety[edit | edit source]
As with many fluorides, lutetium(III) fluoride requires careful handling due to its toxicity and the corrosive nature of its dust. Appropriate safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper ventilation, are essential when working with this compound to prevent exposure and inhalation of dust.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
