Difference between revisions of "Terbium"
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− | + | {{Infobox element | |
− | '''Terbium''' is a [[lanthanide]] with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65. It is a hard, dark, silvery metal that is about as reactive as [[magnesium]]. Although difficult to find and rather expensive, it and its salts have very interesting properties that make it an excellent addition to the amateur chemist's lab. Among these properties are [[fluorescence]] and [[paramagnetism]], brought about by the element's half-filled f-shell. | + | <!-- top --> |
+ | |image name=Terbium_by_Brain&Force.jpg | ||
+ | |image alt= | ||
+ | |image size=280 | ||
+ | |image name comment=5.74 grams of distilled terbium metal | ||
+ | |image name 2= | ||
+ | |image alt 2= | ||
+ | |image size 2= | ||
+ | |image name 2 comment= | ||
+ | <!-- General properties --> | ||
+ | |name=Terbium | ||
+ | |symbol=Tb | ||
+ | |pronounce= | ||
+ | |pronounce ref= | ||
+ | |pronounce comment= | ||
+ | |pronounce 2= | ||
+ | |alt name= | ||
+ | |alt names= | ||
+ | |allotropes= | ||
+ | |appearance=Silvery-white | ||
+ | <!-- Periodic table --> | ||
+ | |above=- | ||
+ | |below=Bk | ||
+ | |left=[[Gadolinium]] | ||
+ | |right=[[Dysprosium]] | ||
+ | |number=65 | ||
+ | |atomic mass=158.92535(2) | ||
+ | |atomic mass 2= | ||
+ | |atomic mass ref= | ||
+ | |atomic mass comment= | ||
+ | |series= | ||
+ | |series ref= | ||
+ | |series comment= | ||
+ | |series color= | ||
+ | |group= | ||
+ | |group ref= | ||
+ | |group comment= | ||
+ | |period=6 | ||
+ | |period ref= | ||
+ | |period comment= | ||
+ | |block=f | ||
+ | |block ref= | ||
+ | |block comment= | ||
+ | |electron configuration= [Xe] 4f<sup>9</sup> 6s<sup>2</sup> | ||
+ | |electron configuration ref= | ||
+ | |electron configuration comment= | ||
+ | |electrons per shell=2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2 | ||
+ | |electrons per shell ref= | ||
+ | |electrons per shell comment= | ||
+ | <!-- Physical properties --> | ||
+ | |physical properties comment= | ||
+ | |color=Silvery-white | ||
+ | |phase=Solid | ||
+ | |phase ref= | ||
+ | |phase comment= | ||
+ | |melting point K=1629 | ||
+ | |melting point C=1356 | ||
+ | |melting point F=2473 | ||
+ | |melting point ref= | ||
+ | |melting point comment= | ||
+ | |boiling point K=3396 | ||
+ | |boiling point C=3123 | ||
+ | |boiling point F=5653 | ||
+ | |boiling point ref= | ||
+ | |boiling point comment= | ||
+ | |sublimation point K= | ||
+ | |sublimation point C= | ||
+ | |sublimation point F= | ||
+ | |sublimation point ref= | ||
+ | |sublimation point comment= | ||
+ | |density gplstp= | ||
+ | |density gplstp ref= | ||
+ | |density gplstp comment= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt=8.23 | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt ref= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt comment= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 2= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 2 ref= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 2 comment= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 3= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 3 ref= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3nrt 3 comment= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3mp=7.65 | ||
+ | |density gpcm3mp ref= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3mp comment= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3bp= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3bp ref= | ||
+ | |density gpcm3bp comment= | ||
+ | |molar volume= | ||
+ | |molar volume unit = | ||
+ | |molar volume ref= | ||
+ | |molar volume comment= | ||
+ | |triple point K= | ||
+ | |triple point kPa= | ||
+ | |triple point ref= | ||
+ | |triple point comment= | ||
+ | |triple point K 2= | ||
+ | |triple point kPa 2= | ||
+ | |triple point 2 ref= | ||
+ | |triple point 2 comment= | ||
+ | |critical point K= | ||
+ | |critical point MPa= | ||
+ | |critical point ref= | ||
+ | |critical point comment= | ||
+ | |heat fusion=10.15 | ||
+ | |heat fusion ref= | ||
+ | |heat fusion comment= | ||
+ | |heat fusion 2= | ||
+ | |heat fusion 2 ref= | ||
+ | |heat fusion 2 comment= | ||
+ | |heat vaporization=391 | ||
+ | |heat vaporization ref= | ||
+ | |heat vaporization comment= | ||
+ | |heat capacity=28.91 | ||
+ | |heat capacity ref= | ||
+ | |heat capacity comment= | ||
+ | |heat capacity 2= | ||
+ | |heat capacity 2 ref= | ||
+ | |heat capacity 2 comment= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 1=1789 | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 10=1979 | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 100=(2201) | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 1 k=(2505) | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 10 k=(2913) | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 100 k=(3491) | ||
+ | |vapor pressure ref= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure comment= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 1 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 10 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 100 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 1 k 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 10 k 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 100 k 2= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 2 ref= | ||
+ | |vapor pressure 2 comment= | ||
+ | <!-- Atomic properties --> | ||
+ | |atomic properties comment= | ||
+ | |oxidation states=4, '''3''', 2, 1 | ||
+ | |oxidation states ref= | ||
+ | |oxidation states comment=(a weakly basic oxide) | ||
+ | |electronegativity=1.2 | ||
+ | |electronegativity ref= | ||
+ | |electronegativity comment= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 1=565.8 | ||
+ | |ionization energy 1 ref= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 1 comment= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 2=1110 | ||
+ | |ionization energy 2 ref= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 2 comment= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 3=2114 | ||
+ | |ionization energy 3 ref= | ||
+ | |ionization energy 3 comment= | ||
+ | |number of ionization energies= | ||
+ | |ionization energy ref= | ||
+ | |ionization energy comment= | ||
+ | |atomic radius=177 | ||
+ | |atomic radius ref= | ||
+ | |atomic radius comment= | ||
+ | |atomic radius calculated= | ||
+ | |atomic radius calculated ref= | ||
+ | |atomic radius calculated comment= | ||
+ | |covalent radius=194±5 | ||
+ | |covalent radius ref= | ||
+ | |covalent radius comment= | ||
+ | |Van der Waals radius= | ||
+ | |Van der Waals radius ref= | ||
+ | |Van der Waals radius comment= | ||
+ | <!-- Miscellanea --> | ||
+ | |crystal structure= | ||
+ | |crystal structure prefix= | ||
+ | |crystal structure ref= | ||
+ | |crystal structure comment=Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) | ||
+ | |crystal structure 2= | ||
+ | |crystal structure 2 prefix= | ||
+ | |crystal structure 2 ref= | ||
+ | |crystal structure 2 comment= | ||
+ | |speed of sound= | ||
+ | |speed of sound ref= | ||
+ | |speed of sound comment= | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at 20=2620 | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at 20 ref= | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at 20 comment= | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at r.t.= | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at r.t. ref= | ||
+ | |speed of sound rod at r.t. comment= | ||
+ | |thermal expansion=10.3 | ||
+ | |thermal expansion ref= | ||
+ | |thermal expansion comment=(α, poly) | ||
+ | |thermal expansion at 25= | ||
+ | |thermal expansion at 25 ref= | ||
+ | |thermal expansion at 25 comment= | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity=11.1 | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity ref= | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity comment= | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity 2= | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity 2 ref= | ||
+ | |thermal conductivity 2 comment= | ||
+ | |thermal diffusivity= | ||
+ | |thermal diffusivity ref= | ||
+ | |thermal diffusivity comment= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity=1.15·10<sup>-6</sup> | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity unit prefix= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity ref= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity comment= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 0= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 0 ref= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 0 comment= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 20= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 20 ref= | ||
+ | |electrical resistivity at 20 comment= | ||
+ | |band gap= | ||
+ | |band gap ref= | ||
+ | |band gap comment= | ||
+ | |Curie point K= | ||
+ | |Curie point ref= | ||
+ | |Curie point comment= | ||
+ | |magnetic ordering=Paramagnetic | ||
+ | |magnetic ordering ref= | ||
+ | |magnetic ordering comment= | ||
+ | |tensile strength= | ||
+ | |tensile strength ref= | ||
+ | |tensile strength comment= | ||
+ | |Young's modulus=55.7 | ||
+ | |Young's modulus ref= | ||
+ | |Young's modulus comment=(α form) | ||
+ | |Shear modulus=22.1 | ||
+ | |Shear modulus ref= | ||
+ | |Shear modulus comment=(α form) | ||
+ | |Bulk modulus=38.7 | ||
+ | |Bulk modulus ref= | ||
+ | |Bulk modulus comment=(α form) | ||
+ | |Poisson ratio=0.261 | ||
+ | |Poisson ratio ref= | ||
+ | |Poisson ratio comment=(α form) | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness= | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness ref= | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness comment= | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness 2= | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness 2 ref= | ||
+ | |Mohs hardness 2 comment= | ||
+ | |Vickers hardness=450–865 | ||
+ | |Vickers hardness ref= | ||
+ | |Vickers hardness comment= | ||
+ | |Brinell hardness=675–1200 | ||
+ | |Brinell hardness ref= | ||
+ | |Brinell hardness comment= | ||
+ | |CAS number=7440-27-9 | ||
+ | |CAS number ref= | ||
+ | |CAS number comment= | ||
+ | <!-- History --> | ||
+ | |naming=After Ytterby (Sweden), where it was mined | ||
+ | |predicted by= | ||
+ | |prediction date ref= | ||
+ | |prediction date= | ||
+ | |discovered by= | ||
+ | |discovery date ref= | ||
+ | |discovery date= | ||
+ | |first isolation by= | ||
+ | |first isolation date ref= | ||
+ | |first isolation date= | ||
+ | |discovery and first isolation by=Carl Gustaf Mosander (1842) | ||
+ | |named by= | ||
+ | |named date ref= | ||
+ | |named date= | ||
+ | |history comment label= | ||
+ | |history comment= | ||
+ | <!-- Isotopes --> | ||
+ | |isotopes= | ||
+ | |isotopes comment= | ||
+ | |engvar= | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | '''Terbium''' is a [[lanthanide]] with the symbol '''Tb''' and atomic number 65. It is a hard, dark, silvery metal that is about as reactive as [[magnesium]]. Although difficult to find and rather expensive, it and its salts have very interesting properties that make it an excellent addition to the amateur chemist's lab. Among these properties are [[fluorescence]] and [[paramagnetism]], brought about by the element's half-filled f-shell. | ||
==Properties== | ==Properties== | ||
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Terbium is a dark silvery metal that is solid at room temperature. It is quite resistant to impact, but can be scratched with a knife or file. | Terbium is a dark silvery metal that is solid at room temperature. It is quite resistant to impact, but can be scratched with a knife or file. | ||
− | At room temperature, terbium is [[Paramagnetism|paramagnetic]] and can be picked up easily with a neodymium magnet. This paramagnetism turns to antiferromagnetism at 230 K and to ferromagnetism at 219 K, which is above the temperature of dry ice. This causes a noticeable | + | At room temperature, terbium is [[Paramagnetism|paramagnetic]] and can be picked up easily with a neodymium magnet. This paramagnetism turns to antiferromagnetism at 230 K and to ferromagnetism at 219 K, which is above the temperature of dry ice. This causes a noticeable increase in magnetic attraction. Terbium has the second-highest Curie temperature of the rare earth elements, exceeded only by [[Gadolinium|gadolinium]]. |
− | Terbium(III) cations [[Fluorescence|fluoresce]] to produce bright green light. The fluorescence is generally only visible in the solid state, but certain [[ | + | Terbium(III) cations [[Fluorescence|fluoresce]] to produce bright green light. The fluorescence is generally only visible in the solid state, but certain [[ligand]]s will allow solutions of these salts to fluoresce in solution. These ions are also paramagnetic, and compounds of terbium(III) may be lifted by a powerful magnet. |
===Chemical properties=== | ===Chemical properties=== | ||
Although terbium is a highly electropositive element, the metal can be stored indefinitely in air and does not corrode, even after years of exposure. However, terbium reacts slowly in cold water, and vigorously in hot water and dilute acids to form trivalent salts. | Although terbium is a highly electropositive element, the metal can be stored indefinitely in air and does not corrode, even after years of exposure. However, terbium reacts slowly in cold water, and vigorously in hot water and dilute acids to form trivalent salts. | ||
− | Terbium reacts with all of the halogens to form trihalides. Small pieces can burn in air with a golden flame to form [[ | + | Terbium reacts with all of the halogens to form trihalides. Small pieces can burn in air with a golden flame to form [[terbium(III,IV) oxide]], which is black, and markedly different from [[terbium(III) oxide]]. |
− | In nitric acid, terbium metal will oxidize to both [[ | + | In nitric acid, terbium metal will oxidize to both [[terbium(III) nitrate]], which remains in solution, and [[terbium(III,IV) oxide]], which settles to the bottom as a black precipitate. |
[[Terbium sulfate]] is only poorly soluble in water, and its solubility decreases as temperature increases. Double sulfates with sodium and potassium are even less soluble. [[Terbium oxalate]] is extremely insoluble in water. | [[Terbium sulfate]] is only poorly soluble in water, and its solubility decreases as temperature increases. Double sulfates with sodium and potassium are even less soluble. [[Terbium oxalate]] is extremely insoluble in water. | ||
− | Terbium(III) is the most stable oxidation state of the element. It is very highly fluorescent. It is not amphoteric, and adding bases such as ammonia to terbium-containing solutions will produce a precipitate of white [[ | + | Terbium(III) is the most stable oxidation state of the element. It is very highly fluorescent. It is not amphoteric, and adding bases such as ammonia to terbium-containing solutions will produce a precipitate of white [[terbium hydroxide]]. This hydroxide is itself basic, and will absorb carbon dioxide to form [[terbium carbonate]]. This change is not very noticeable. |
− | Terbium(IV) compounds are highly oxidizing. [[Terbium(III,IV) oxide]] is a black powder which is similar to [[ | + | Terbium(IV) compounds are highly oxidizing. [[Terbium(III,IV) oxide]] is a black powder which is similar to [[manganese dioxide]]. It can be prepared by igniting/calcinating [[terbium(III) oxalate]]. It is also an excellent catalyst. [[Terbium(IV) fluoride]] is one of the best fluorinating agents known, due to its ability to emit relatively pure atomic [[fluorine]], rather than fluoride vapors. |
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
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==Projects== | ==Projects== | ||
+ | *Make Tb compounds | ||
*Making magnetic and fluorescent crystals | *Making magnetic and fluorescent crystals | ||
*Making [[Triboluminescence|triboluminescent]] crystals of [[hexakis(antipyrine)terbium(III) iodide]] | *Making [[Triboluminescence|triboluminescent]] crystals of [[hexakis(antipyrine)terbium(III) iodide]] | ||
*Demonstrating fluorescence enhancement | *Demonstrating fluorescence enhancement | ||
− | *Demonstrating the [[Curie point]] and the | + | *Demonstrating the [[Curie point]] and the Néel point |
==Storage and safety== | ==Storage and safety== | ||
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===Toxicity=== | ===Toxicity=== | ||
− | Toxicity data of terbium compounds is scarce, but they appear to be of low to moderate danger. Terbium plays no biological role, but acts similarly to calcium within the body. Some terbium compounds, notably the halides, will hydrolyze when heated and will give off acidic vapors. | + | Toxicity data of terbium compounds is scarce, but they appear to be of low to moderate danger. Terbium plays no biological role, but acts similarly to calcium within the body, and lanthanide salts tend to promote plant growth. Some terbium compounds, notably the halides, will hydrolyze when heated and will give off acidic vapors. |
===Flammability=== | ===Flammability=== | ||
Small pieces of terbium metal or terbium powder are flammable. Class D [[Fire extinguisher|fire extinguishers]] should be readily available when working with terbium near an open flame. Water should never be used to extinguish burning terbium, as it will aggravate the flame. | Small pieces of terbium metal or terbium powder are flammable. Class D [[Fire extinguisher|fire extinguishers]] should be readily available when working with terbium near an open flame. Water should never be used to extinguish burning terbium, as it will aggravate the flame. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Disposal=== | ||
+ | Different SDS documents provide different guides for disposing of terbium metal. One has suggested to "burn [the metal] and dispose of oxide in the trash". However, considering that terbium is expensive, it's best to attempt recovery and recycle any terbium compounds. | ||
== References == | == References == |
Latest revision as of 21:37, 30 November 2022
![]() 5.74 grams of distilled terbium metal | |||||
General properties | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name, symbol | Terbium, Tb | ||||
Appearance | Silvery-white | ||||
Terbium in the periodic table | |||||
| |||||
Atomic number | 65 | ||||
Standard atomic weight (Ar) | 158.92535(2) | ||||
Group, block | , f-block | ||||
Period | period 6 | ||||
Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f9 6s2 | ||||
per shell | 2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2 | ||||
Physical properties | |||||
Silvery-white | |||||
Phase | Solid | ||||
Melting point | 1629 K (1356 °C, 2473 °F) | ||||
Boiling point | 3396 K (3123 °C, 5653 °F) | ||||
Density near r.t. | 8.23 g/cm3 | ||||
when liquid, at | 7.65 g/cm3 | ||||
Heat of fusion | 10.15 kJ/mol | ||||
Heat of | 391 kJ/mol | ||||
Molar heat capacity | 28.91 J/(mol·K) | ||||
pressure | |||||
Atomic properties | |||||
Oxidation states | 4, 3, 2, 1 (a weakly basic oxide) | ||||
Electronegativity | Pauling scale: 1.2 | ||||
energies |
1st: 565.8 kJ/mol 2nd: 1110 kJ/mol 3rd: 2114 kJ/mol | ||||
Atomic radius | empirical: 177 pm | ||||
Covalent radius | 194±5 pm | ||||
Miscellanea | |||||
Crystal structure | Hexagonal close-packed (hcp) | ||||
Speed of sound thin rod | 2620 m/s (at 20 °C) | ||||
Thermal expansion | 10.3 µm/(m·K) (α, poly) | ||||
Thermal conductivity | 11.1 W/(m·K) | ||||
Electrical resistivity | 1.15·10-6 Ω·m | ||||
Magnetic ordering | Paramagnetic | ||||
Young's modulus | 55.7 GPa (α form) | ||||
Shear modulus | 22.1 GPa (α form) | ||||
Bulk modulus | 38.7 GPa (α form) | ||||
Poisson ratio | 0.261 (α form) | ||||
Vickers hardness | 450–865 MPa | ||||
Brinell hardness | 675–1200 MPa | ||||
CAS Registry Number | 7440-27-9 | ||||
History | |||||
Naming | After Ytterby (Sweden), where it was mined | ||||
Discovery and first isolation | Carl Gustaf Mosander (1842) | ||||
Terbium is a lanthanide with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65. It is a hard, dark, silvery metal that is about as reactive as magnesium. Although difficult to find and rather expensive, it and its salts have very interesting properties that make it an excellent addition to the amateur chemist's lab. Among these properties are fluorescence and paramagnetism, brought about by the element's half-filled f-shell.
Contents
Properties
Physical properties
Terbium is a dark silvery metal that is solid at room temperature. It is quite resistant to impact, but can be scratched with a knife or file.
At room temperature, terbium is paramagnetic and can be picked up easily with a neodymium magnet. This paramagnetism turns to antiferromagnetism at 230 K and to ferromagnetism at 219 K, which is above the temperature of dry ice. This causes a noticeable increase in magnetic attraction. Terbium has the second-highest Curie temperature of the rare earth elements, exceeded only by gadolinium.
Terbium(III) cations fluoresce to produce bright green light. The fluorescence is generally only visible in the solid state, but certain ligands will allow solutions of these salts to fluoresce in solution. These ions are also paramagnetic, and compounds of terbium(III) may be lifted by a powerful magnet.
Chemical properties
Although terbium is a highly electropositive element, the metal can be stored indefinitely in air and does not corrode, even after years of exposure. However, terbium reacts slowly in cold water, and vigorously in hot water and dilute acids to form trivalent salts.
Terbium reacts with all of the halogens to form trihalides. Small pieces can burn in air with a golden flame to form terbium(III,IV) oxide, which is black, and markedly different from terbium(III) oxide.
In nitric acid, terbium metal will oxidize to both terbium(III) nitrate, which remains in solution, and terbium(III,IV) oxide, which settles to the bottom as a black precipitate.
Terbium sulfate is only poorly soluble in water, and its solubility decreases as temperature increases. Double sulfates with sodium and potassium are even less soluble. Terbium oxalate is extremely insoluble in water.
Terbium(III) is the most stable oxidation state of the element. It is very highly fluorescent. It is not amphoteric, and adding bases such as ammonia to terbium-containing solutions will produce a precipitate of white terbium hydroxide. This hydroxide is itself basic, and will absorb carbon dioxide to form terbium carbonate. This change is not very noticeable.
Terbium(IV) compounds are highly oxidizing. Terbium(III,IV) oxide is a black powder which is similar to manganese dioxide. It can be prepared by igniting/calcinating terbium(III) oxalate. It is also an excellent catalyst. Terbium(IV) fluoride is one of the best fluorinating agents known, due to its ability to emit relatively pure atomic fluorine, rather than fluoride vapors.
Availability
Terbium is more common than iodine on Earth, but it is very hard to find and expensive. It is also one of the rarest lanthanides, and is in high demand due to its numerous applications. One source for terbium, as well as other rare earth metals, is Metallium. It is sold in 5 gram and 20 gram sizes, as well as rods, ampoules, and coins. Terbium and its compounds occasionally sold on eBay as well.
Projects
- Make Tb compounds
- Making magnetic and fluorescent crystals
- Making triboluminescent crystals of hexakis(antipyrine)terbium(III) iodide
- Demonstrating fluorescence enhancement
- Demonstrating the Curie point and the Néel point
Storage and safety
Storage
While there is no problem with storing terbium under an inert argon atmosphere or under mineral oil, terbium does not corrode easily and there is no problem with leaving it in air indefinitely. The pure metal is not affected by the hand moisture when handled without protection.
Toxicity
Toxicity data of terbium compounds is scarce, but they appear to be of low to moderate danger. Terbium plays no biological role, but acts similarly to calcium within the body, and lanthanide salts tend to promote plant growth. Some terbium compounds, notably the halides, will hydrolyze when heated and will give off acidic vapors.
Flammability
Small pieces of terbium metal or terbium powder are flammable. Class D fire extinguishers should be readily available when working with terbium near an open flame. Water should never be used to extinguish burning terbium, as it will aggravate the flame.
Disposal
Different SDS documents provide different guides for disposing of terbium metal. One has suggested to "burn [the metal] and dispose of oxide in the trash". However, considering that terbium is expensive, it's best to attempt recovery and recycle any terbium compounds.