Magnet

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Neodymium-iron-boron magnet
Names
IUPAC name
N/A
Other names
Neodymium magnet, neo-magnet
Properties
Nd2Fe14B + various trace materials
Molar mass 1081.15 g/mol
Appearance Metallic gray alloy
Odor Odorless
Insoluble
Solubility Insoluble in organic solvents
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (hydrate)
Related compounds
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Neodymium magnets are a commonly-encountered form of magnetic material that are used by amateur chemists to prepare neodymium compounds.

Properties

Chemical

The alloy inside the magnets is primarily composed of macroscopic Nd2Fe14B grains, surrounded by a Nd-rich matrix layer (~90% Nd). For amateur chemist purposes, they can be assumed to be composed entirely of Nd2Fe14B alloy.

Neodymium magnets are plated in a oxidation-resistant layer of copper, nickel, and/or gold, with possible tin and mercury additives. When this layer is broken, they will react vigorously with acids to produce corresponding neodymium and iron salts, as well as boron or boric acid depending on the acid chosen.

2 Nd2Fe14B + 35 H2SO4 -> 4 Nd2(SO4)3 + 28 FeSO4 + 2 H3BO3 + 3 SO2 + 35 H2

Physical

Neodymium magnets are a dark gray, grainy alloy coated with a mechanically polished, electroplated layer of protective metals.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Neodymium is a heavy metal, and as such is toxic if ingested. Standard gloves should be safe to handle neodymium compounds with. Oxalates and oxalic acid are toxic by ingestion, and may lead to kidney stones and other deleterious side effects. The effects are somewhat mitigated by the fact that neodymium oxalate is inert and water-insoluble, however.

Storage

Neodymium magnets, if magnetized, should be stored in soft foam padding to avoid injury. When demagnetized, they are essentially a lump of metal and can be stored safely in any container.

Disposal

Neodymium magnets, if of considerable size and/or magnetic strength, should be demagnetized in an oven above their Curie temperature before disposing.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads