Holmium citrate

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Holmium citrate
Holmium citrate LED and CFL light by Brain&Force.png
Holmium citrate under LED and CFL lighting.
Names
IUPAC name
Holmium(III) 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate
Systematic IUPAC name
Holmium(III) citrate
Properties
C6H5O7Ho
Molar mass 354.03002 g/mol
Appearance Yellow or pink solid (depending on the illumination source)
Odor Odorless
Melting point 309.6 °C (589.3 °F; 582.8 K) (decomposes)
Boiling point Decomposes
Soluble
Solubility Insoluble in halocarbons, hydrocarbons
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Hazards
Safety data sheet None
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Holmium citrate (C6H5O7Ho) is the holmium salt of citric acid. It is prepared by addition of a stoichiometric amount of holmium metal to a citric acid solution. It is yellow in sunlight, incandescent light, or LED light and bright pink under the light of compact fluorescent lights.

Properties

Chemical

Heating holmium citrate will cause it to decompose, yielding carbon oxides and leaving behind holmium carbonate or oxide.

Physical

Holmium citrate changes its color depending on the light source.[1]

Preparation

Adding holmium metal to citric acid solution yields holmium citrate.

Projects

  • Color changing solution
  • Catalyst for polyester production[2]

Handling

Safety

The compound appears to be safe to handle without protection. Holmium has a low level of acute toxicity, and large amounts are needed to cause toxic effects.

Storage

Should be kept in closed containers, as it absorbs water from air.

Disposal

Since holmium is expensive, it's best to try to recycle it.

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhepi81HBqE
  2. http://www.google.com/patents/CN100469814C?cl=en

Relevant Sciencemadness threads