Ytterbium | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

CAS number

7440-64-4

IUPAC name

ytterbium

State

At room temperature, ytterbium is in a solid-state. It is typically stored in airtight containers to prevent it from tarnishing.

Melting point (Celsius)

824.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

1 097.00

Boiling point (Celsius)

1 196.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

1 469.00

General information

Molecular weight

173.05g/mol

Molar mass

173.0450g/mol

Density

6.9650g/cm³

Appearence

Ytterbium is a soft, malleable, and ductile chemical element that has a bright silvery luster. It is one of the rare earth metals, and it is readily oxidized in air, forming a protective coating of ytterbium oxide, which prevents further oxidation. The element often appears in two different allotropic forms; the β-phase is a tetragonal close-packed, more stable form at room temperature. It tarnishes slowly in air and reacts gradually with water, although a layer of oxide forms on its surface that helps protect it from further reaction.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Ytterbium Compounds

Ytterbium, a member of the lanthanide series, exhibits variable solubility depending on the specific compound and the solvents used. Here are some insights into its solubility characteristics:

Ytterbium(III) chloride (YbCl₃): Highly soluble in water, making it an excellent choice for aqueous solutions.
Ytterbium(III) nitrate (Yb(NO₃)₃): Also very soluble in water, contributing to its use in various chemical reactions.
Ytterbium(III) oxide (Yb₂O₃): Conversely, it is insoluble in water, highlighting the diversity in solubility among its compounds.

In general, the solubility of ytterbium salts is influenced by several factors:

Temperature: Increasing temperature often leads to increased solubility.
pH: The acidity or alkalinity of the solution can significantly affect how well a compound dissolves.
Complexation: The formation of soluble complexes with ligands can enhance the solubility of certain ytterbium compounds.

In summary, the solubility of ytterbium compounds varies greatly. Understanding the specific conditions and the nature of the compound in question is crucial for effectively utilizing these materials in both research and industrial applications. As emphasized by chemists, "the solubility of a compound is not just a property, but a key that unlocks its potential."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Ytterbium

Ytterbium, represented as Yb on the periodic table, is a fascinating member of the lanthanide series. This rare earth element, discovered in 1854 by the chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac, boasts a range of unique properties and applications:

Electronic Applications: Ytterbium is widely used in electronics, particularly in the production of stainless steel and as a doping agent in various laser applications.
Medical Uses: It is increasingly being explored in medical technologies, notably in certain types of cancer therapy and imaging systems, leveraging its ability to emit highly energetic gamma rays.
Material Science: In the field of materials science, ytterbium contributes to enhancing the physical properties of metals, including improving hardness and resistance to corrosion.
Energy Sources: The element plays a role in research surrounding energy storage solutions, particularly in the development of effective batteries and supercapacitors.
Unique Isotopes: Ytterbium has several isotopes, the most stable being ¹⁷⁴Yb, which is notable for being used in neutrino physics experiments.

As an interesting side note, the name "ytterbium" is derived from the village of Ytterby in Sweden, which is the source of several rare earth elements. As the late chemist J. H. van 't Hoff said, “The chemistry of the future is the chemistry of the rare earths.” Ytterbium's fascinating properties indeed suggest a bright future in the realms of technology and science.

Researchers continue to uncover more about this element's potential, making it a significant topic in modern chemistry and materials research.

Synonyms

YTTERBIUM

7440-64-4

yterbio

UNII-MNQ4O4WSI1

MNQ4O4WSI1

EINECS 231-173-2

70Yb

YTTERBIUM, ELEMENTAL

DTXSID4046993

CHEBI:33381

Ytterbium Metallicum

DTXCID2026993

231-173-2

Ytterbium (Ii) Ion

MFCD00011286

Ytterbium foil, 3N

Ytterbium Standard: Yb @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3

Ytterbium Standard: Yb @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3

Ytterbium chips

Ytterbium ingot

Ytterbium chunks

Ytterbium powder

Ytterbium Nanofoil

ytterbium(2+)

Ytterbium chips, 3N

Ytterbium ingot, 3N

YTTERBIUM [MI]

YTTERBIUM [VANDF]

YTTERBIUM [WHO-DD]

Ultra Thin Ytterbium Nanofoil

Ytterbium powder, -200 mesh

HAA44064

AKOS024257647

Barium Sulfide (BaS) Sputtering Targets

SY077197

Ytterbium foil, 0.3mm (0.01in) thick

Ytterbium foil, 1.0mm (0.04in) thick

Ytterbium foil, 0.1mm (0.004in) thick

Ytterbium pieces, sublimed, 99.9% (REO)

NS00082237

Ytterbium foil, 0.64mm (0.025in) thick

Ytterbium, chunks, 99.9% trace metals basis

Ytterbium - Yb @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3

Ytterbium, lump, 25g, max. size 25mm, 99.9%

Ytterbium, lump, 50g, max. size 25mm, 99.9%

Ytterbium, lump, 100g, max. size 25mm, 99.9%

Ytterbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 2.0mm, cast, 99%

Q27115621

Ytterbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 10.0mm, cast, 99%

Ytterbium, rod, 50mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%

Ytterbium sputtering target, 50.8mm dia x 1.59mm thick

Ytterbium sputtering target, 76.2mm dia x 1.59mm thick

Ytterbium sputtering target, 76.2mm dia x 3.18mm thick

Ytterbium, rod, 100mm, diameter 10.0mm, cast, 99%

Ytterbium, rod, 100mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.25mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.25mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, thickness 0.80 mm, size 30 x 30 mm, purity 99%

Ytterbium, foil, thickness 0.80 mm, size 60 x 60 mm, purity 99%

Ytterbium, wire, 1.0 mm diameter, length 100 mm, purity 99.9%

Ytterbium, wire, 1.0 mm diameter, length 50 mm, purity 99.9%

Ytterbium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.005mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%

Ytterbium, powder, max. particle size 500 micron, weight 10 g, purity 99.9%

YB2