Ytterbium

Description

A rare earth metal of the yttrium group that occurs in the minerals gadolinite, euxenite, xenotime, and monazite. It is a silvery, ductile metal that exists in an alpha crystalline form at normal temperatures and a beta crystalline form and high temperatures (over 798 C). Metallic ytterbium is used in lasers, portable x-ray sources and phosphors that convert infrared radiation to visible light. Ytterbium oxide is used in special alloys, dielectric ceramics, and in special glasses.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Yb

Risks

• Sensitive to moisture and air.
• Contact may cause irritation.
• Powder is flammable.
• Fisher Scientific: MSDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Soluble in dilute acids and liquid ammonia.
• Reacts slowly with water.

Composition	Yb (atomic no. 70)
CAS	7440-64-4
Melting Point	819 C
Density	6.997 g.ml
Molecular Weight	atomic wt =173.04
Boiling Point	1196 C

Resources and Citations

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 177