Neodymium Chloride Hexahydrate
NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE, NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE, 99.9%, NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE, 99.99%, NEODYMIUM CHLORIDE HYDRATE
- CAS
- 13477-89-9
- EC
- 629-622-6
- Sectors
- Mining & Metals, Rubber & Elastomers, Building & Construction, Electronics & Solar PV
Neodymium Chloride Hexahydrate (NdCl₃·6H₂O; MW 358.69) is a water-soluble rare earth chloride salt presenting as purple crystals or crystalline powder, with a melting point of 124 °C and a density of 2.28 g/cm³. It dissolves readily in water (2.46 parts per 1 part H₂O) and in alcohol, making it a versatile soluble neodymium source for solution-phase processes.
Commercially available in Technical Grade and high-purity grades up to 4N, with Nd₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99.9 % and TREO typically 40–45 % of the hexahydrate salt. It serves as a primary precursor for neodymium metal production via molten-salt electrolysis, for Ziegler–Natta catalyst synthesis, and for sol-gel and crystal-growth applications. The related anhydrous form (CAS 10024-93-8) is a distinct commercial product.
Neodymium Chloride Hexahydrate
Applications
- Mining & Metals: Primary chloride-electrolysis precursor for neodymium metal production and feedstock for the synthesis of other neodymium salts and compounds.
- Rubber & Elastomers: Used as the neodymium source in the preparation of NdCl₃·3iPrOH adducts, which serve as Ziegler–Natta catalyst precursors for Nd-catalysed butadiene rubber (Nd-BR) polymerisation.
- Building & Construction: Applied as a soluble neodymium colorant in ceramic glazes and architectural glass formulations, imparting characteristic violet-purple hues via sol-gel and wet-chemical routes.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Employed as a solution-processable precursor for Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO₄ laser crystal growth and as a dielectric layer precursor in thin-film electronic components.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Used in sol-gel deposition processes for neodymium-doped oxide coatings relevant to photovoltaic and optoelectronic device fabrication.
Safety & Risks
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Handle as a general laboratory/industrial chemical: avoid dust generation, ensure adequate ventilation, and use safety glasses and gloves. Store in a cool, dry location in tightly closed containers.
Packaging
Typically supplied in 25 kg double-PE-lined drums; 1–5 kg lots available for laboratory and high-purity grades. Store sealed, away from moisture.