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Erbium

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Identification
Molecular formula
Er
CAS number
7440-52-0
IUPAC name
erbium
State
State

Erbium is in a solid state at room temperature. It is ductile and soft enough to be cut with a knife and demonstrates a high degree of stability in air. Due to its typical metallic properties, it's often utilized in various metallurgical applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 529.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 802.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
2 868.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 141.00
General information
Molecular weight
167.26g/mol
Molar mass
167.2590g/mol
Density
9.0660g/cm3
Appearence

Erbium is a silvery-white metallic element that is soft and malleable. It has a bright luster and resembles many other rare earth elements in appearance. When exposed to air, erbium is quite stable and does not tarnish easily, although it can oxidize slowly upon exposure to oxygen over time.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Erbium Compounds

Erbium (Er) is a lanthanide element known for its unique properties. When discussing the solubility of erbium compounds, there are a few key points to consider:

  • General Solubility: Erbium compounds tend to be relatively water-insoluble. However, this can vary based on the specific compound in question.
  • Common Erbium Compounds:
    • Erbium oxide (Er3+O3) is generally insoluble in water.
    • Erbium chloride (ErCl3) is more soluble in water, demonstrating greater ionic character that enhances its solubility.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility of erbium salts can be influenced by the pH of the solution. In more acidic conditions, certain erbium compounds may exhibit increased solubility.
  • Temperature Dependence: Temperature can also play a significant role; generally, solubility increases with rising temperature for many salts, including some erbium compounds.

In summary, while many erbium compounds are not readily soluble in water, the solubility can vary widely depending on the specific compound, the solution's pH, and the temperature. This variability is crucial for applications that involve erbium in various chemical environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Erbium

Erbium is a fascinating element that belongs to the group of rare earth metals. As a chemical element with the symbol Er, it has drawn attention in various scientific fields for its unique properties and applications.

Chemical and Physical Properties

  • Erbium has a high atomic number of 68, placing it within the lanthanide series of the periodic table.
  • It is known for its distinct pink color when oxide forms, often used in glass and ceramics to produce a beautiful hue.
  • This element exhibits remarkable magnetic susceptibility and is paramagnetic at room temperature.

Applications

Due to its special characteristics, erbium finds utility in various fields:

  • Optical Fibers: One of the most prominent uses of erbium is in telecommunications, where it serves as a dopant in optical fibers. It amplifies light signals, enhancing data transmission speeds over long distances.
  • Medical Imaging: In the realm of healthcare, erbium lasers are employed for precision surgeries and dermatological procedures due to their fine-tuned wavelengths.
  • Alloys and Materials: Erbium is alloyed with metals to create high-strength materials that are employed in various industries, including aerospace.

Historical Context

Discovered in 1843 by the Swedish chemist Johan Gadolin, erbium's name is derived from the village of Ytterby in Sweden, known for being the source of several rare earth elements. Significant contributions to its understanding came from scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, paving the way for its modern applications.

A Unique Element

Erbium is definitely more than meets the eye. Its role in innovations such as:

  • Data science and computer technology
  • High-powered lasers
  • Medical technology advancements

demonstrates its importance in both fundamental research and practical applications.

In summary, erbium is an essential element in the world of chemistry and industry, known for its versatility and critical contributions to modern technology.

Synonyms
ERBIUM
7440-52-0
erbio
ER
68Er
DTXSID8064694
CHEBI:33379
UNII-77B218D3YE
EINECS 231-160-1
ERBIUM METALLICUM
ERBIUM, ELEMENTAL
DTXCID1047659
77B218D3YE
231-160-1
MFCD00010987
Erbium foil
ERBIUM170
Erbium Standard: Er @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Erbium Standard: Er @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Erbium pieces
Erbium powder
Erbium chips
Erbium ingot
Erbium Nanofoil
UYAHIZSMUZPPFV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Erbium pieces, distilled dendritic
Erbium rod, 12.7mm (0.5in) dia
Erbium rod, 6.35mm (0.25in) dia
Erbium foil, 0.1mm (0.004in) thick
Erbium foil, 0.25mm (0.01in) thick
Cesium Fluoride (CsF) Sputtering Targets
Erbium foil, 0.62mm (0.024in) thick
Erbium foil, 0.025mm (0.001in) thick
NS00082275
Q1849
Erbium - Er @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Erbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 2.0mm, cast, 99%
Erbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 10.0mm, cast, 99%
Erbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Erbium, rod, 100mm, diameter 10.0mm, cast, 99%
Erbium, rod, 100mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Erbium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 1.0mm, as rolled, 99%
Erbium, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 1.0mm, as rolled, 99%
Erbium, wire reel, 100mm, diameter 1.0mm, hard, 99.9%
Erbium, wire reel, 50mm, diameter 1.0mm, hard, 99.9%
Erbium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Erbium, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Erbium, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 100 g, purity 99%
Erbium, powder, max. particle size 500 micron, weight 10 g, purity 99.9%
Erbium, dendritic pieces, purified by distillation, 99.95% trace metals basis
Erbium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.005mm, as rolled, 99%
Erbium, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%