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Lutetium

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Identification
Molecular formula
Lu
CAS number
7439-94-3
IUPAC name
lutetium
State
State

At room temperature, lutetium is a solid metal.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 663.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 936.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
3 402.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 675.00
General information
Molecular weight
174.97g/mol
Molar mass
174.9670g/mol
Density
9.8400g/cm3
Appearence

Lutetium is a silvery-white metal that is relatively stable in air. It has a bright appearance when freshly cut but can tarnish slightly upon exposure to air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lutetium

Lutetium, represented by the chemical symbol Lu, is a member of the lanthanide series. As with many lanthanides, its solubility characteristics are intriguing and can be summarized as follows:

  • General Solubility: Lutetium is known to have limited solubility in water, being a heavy metal. Its solubility increases in the presence of strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid, where it can form soluble complexes.
  • Salt Formation: When lutetium forms salts, such as lutetium(III) chloride (LuCl3), these compounds can exhibit varying degrees of solubility depending on the counterion involved. For instance, lutetium(III) nitrate is more soluble than its chloride counterpart.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility of lutetium compounds can also be significantly affected by the pH of the solution. In more acidic conditions, the solubility will generally increase.
  • Precipitation: Under certain conditions, lutetium can precipitate as insoluble hydroxides or oxalates, emphasizing the importance of understanding the environmental conditions during reactions or while in solution.

In conclusion, while elemental lutetium is not soluble in water, its solubility in various chemical forms can be complex and variable. Understanding these characteristics is essential for applications in materials chemistry and various technological processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Lutetium

Lutetium, represented by the symbol Lu, is a fascinating element that deserves attention for several reasons:

  • Rare Earth Metal: Lutetium is classified as a rare earth metal, making up only about 0.0001% of the Earth's crust. This rarity contributes to its unique applications and significance in various fields.
  • Applications in Technology: Lutetium compounds are highly valued in the production of phosphors used in LED lighting and in the manufacture of high-quality glasses and optical devices.
  • Medical Uses: The isotope 177Lu is utilized in targeted cancer therapies, particularly in treating neuroendocrine tumors. It has shown significant promise in improving patient outcomes.
  • Research and Development: Lutetium plays a pivotal role in catalysis, particularly in petrochemical industries. Its effectiveness as a catalyst can lead to improved reactions and more efficient processes.
  • Unique Characteristics: Lutetium has the highest atomic number of all the lanthanides and displays unusual properties, such as having a relatively low atomic weight compared to its fellow heavy rare earth elements.

In conclusion, lutetium is not just another element; it is a critical component in advancing technology and medicine. The future of lutetium research holds immense potential, making it an exciting field for young chemists and seasoned scientists alike. As one literature notes, "Lutetium continues to shine as a beacon in the realm of rare earth sciences."
Embracing its uniqueness opens doors to innovations that can transform our world.

Synonyms
LUTETIUM
7439-94-3
CASSIOPEUM
LU
LUTETIUM, ELEMENTAL
5H0DOZ21UJ
DTXSID5047746
UNII-5H0DOZ21UJ
EINECS 231-103-0
DTXCID9027730
231-103-0
lutecium
lutetium atom
Lutetium foil
MFCD00011098
Lutetium standard
Lutetium Standard: Lu @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Lutetium Standard: Lu @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
cassiopium
lutecio
Cassiopeium
Lutetium pieces
hydrido lutetium
Lutetium Nanofoil
Lutetium Dihydride
Lutetium ingot, 3N
Lutetium powder, 3N
LUTETIUM [MI]
Lutetium (III) Hydride
71Lu
Lutetium Standard: Lu @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
CHEBI:33382
OHSVLFRHMCKCQY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Lutetium Internal Standard: Lu @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
Lutetium pieces, distilled dendritic
AKOS015902696
Lutetium foil, 0.5mm (0.02in) thick
Lutetium foil, 0.1mm (0.004in) thick
NS00082210
Q1857
Manganese Telluride (MnTe) Sputtering Targets
A12812
Lutetium - Lu @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Lutetium, powder, 1g, max. particle size 500 micron, 99.9%
Lutetium, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 1 g, purity 99.9%
Lutetium, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 2 g, purity 99.9%
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.025 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, purity 99%
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.025 mm, size 50 x 50 mm, purity 99%
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.1 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, tolerance 0.2
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.125 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, tolerance 0.2
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.125 mm, size 50 x 50 mm, tolerance 0.2
Lutetium, foil, thickness 0.15 mm, size 25 x 25 mm, tolerance 0.2
Lutetium, dendritic pieces, purified by distillation, 99.99% trace metals basis