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Holmium

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Identification
Molecular formula
Ho
CAS number
7440-60-0
IUPAC name
holmium
State
State

Holmium is a solid at room temperature. As a rare earth element, it is part of the lanthanide series and exhibits the typical metallic properties associated with these elements.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 474.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 747.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
2 700.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
2 973.00
General information
Molecular weight
164.93g/mol
Molar mass
164.9300g/mol
Density
8.7900g/cm3
Appearence

Holmium is a bright, silvery metal with a lustrous shine. It tarnishes slowly in air and is relatively soft, allowing it to be cut with a knife.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Holmium

Holmium, represented by the chemical symbol Ho, is a rare earth element that exhibits interesting behavior regarding its solubility in various solvents. Here are some key points to note about the solubility of holmium compounds:

  • Water Solubility: Generally, holmium compounds have limited solubility in water. Hydroxides and oxides of holmium, for instance, are typically insoluble in aqueous solutions.
  • Acid Solubility: Many holmium salts, such as holmium(III) chloride (HoCl3), show higher solubility in acidic solutions. This is largely due to the favorable interactions between holmium ions and hydronium ions in the solvent.
  • Solvent Variability: The solubility of holmium can vary widely based on other factors including temperature, presence of complexing agents, and the specific solvent used. For example, in organic solvents, holmium compounds may behave differently compared to aqueous solutions.

It is important to note that the solubility of holmium salts can often be enhanced by pH adjustments or by the addition of ligands that can form stable complexes with the holmium ions. This highlights the significance of the chemical environment in determining solubility.

In conclusion, while holmium itself is a metal with limited solubility in many common solvents, its compounds display a range of solubility patterns that are highly dependent on the specific chemical context.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Holmium

Holmium, represented by the symbol Ho, is a fascinating rare earth element that falls under the category of lanthanides in the periodic table. Here are some intriguing aspects of this unique metal:

  • Discovery: Holmium was discovered in 1879 by Swedish chemist Per Teodor Cleve, and it was named after the Latin word for Stockholm, which is Holmia.
  • Color and Vibrancy: This silvery-white metal is noted for its distinctive color when combined with other elements or molecules, creating vibrant compounds often used in various applications.
  • Applications: Holmium has several practical applications, including:
    • Lasers: It is widely used in lasers, particularly in medical and industrial applications.
    • Magnetic materials: Holmium is known for its strong magnetic properties, making it valuable in producing strong magnets.
    • Nuclear reactors: It can be utilized as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
  • Interesting Properties: Holmium is one of the least abundant of the rare earth elements but has remarkable properties, including:
    • High magnetic susceptibility
    • Ability to absorb neutrons effectively
  • Health & Safety: While holmium itself is relatively safe, it is always essential to handle it with care to avoid exposure to its compounds, which may be hazardous.

In summary, the understanding of holmium extends beyond its chemical composition, leading to exciting developments in modern technology and science. As scientists continue to explore its potential, the applications of this rare earth element may well expand even further.

Synonyms
HOLMIUM
7440-60-0
HO
HOLMIUM, ELEMENTAL
W1XX32SQN1
DTXSID3064699
UNII-W1XX32SQN1
Holmium Metallicum
EINECS 231-169-0
DTXCID0047664
231-169-0
HOLMIUM ATOM
Holmium foil
MFCD00011049
Holmium standard
Holmium Standard: Ho @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Holmium Standard: Ho @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
holmio
Holmium chips
Holmium ingot
Holmium pieces
Holmium powder
Holmium Nanofoil
HOLMIUM [MI]
67Ho
Ultra Thin Holmium Nanofoil
Holmium powder, -200 mesh
CHEBI:49648
KJZYNXUDTRRSPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Holmium pieces, distilled dendritic
Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) Powder
AKOS015833253
Holmium foil, 1.0mm (0.04in) thick
Holmium foil, 0.62mm (0.024in) thick
Holmium, chips, 99.9% trace metals basis
Holmium, ingot, 99.9% trace metals basis
Aluminum Fluoride (AlF3) Sputtering Targets
Holmium foil, 0.025mm (0.001in) thick
Holmium foil, 0.127mm (0.005in) thick
NS00081853
Q1846
Holmium, rod, 50mm, diameter 3.8mm, 99%
Holmium, rod, 100mm, diameter 3.8mm, 99%
Holmium, rod, 200mm, diameter 3.8mm, 99%
Holmium - Ho @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Holmium, rod, 50mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Holmium, rod, 100mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Holmium, rod, 2.0 mm diameter, length 50 mm, purity 99%
Holmium, wire reel, 100mm, diameter 1.0mm, hard, 99.9%
Holmium, wire reel, 50mm, diameter 1.0mm, hard, 99.9%
Holmium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, powder, 10g, max. particle size 500 micron, 99.9%
Holmium, powder, 5g, max. particle size 500 micron, 99.9%
Holmium, wire reel, 100mm, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Holmium, wire reel, 200mm, diameter 0.5mm, as drawn, 99.9%
Holmium, foil, thickness 0.25 mm, size 10 x 26 mm, purity 99%
Holmium, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 100 g, purity 99%
Holmium, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 50 g, purity 99%
Holmium, foil, light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.05mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, thickness 0.50 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, tolerance 0.2
Holmium, foil, thickness 0.50 mm, size 50 x 50 mm, tolerance 0.2
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 100x100mm, thickness 0.0125mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.005mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.0125mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.0125mm, as rolled, 99%
Holmium, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%