is it possible that my samarium oxide (Sm2O3) powder was transformed into samariaum hydroxide (Sm (OH) 3 by the action of humidity or other factors over time? knowing that I have this powder for ten (10) years and I always close the caps of the vials containing the powder after each use
Dear Farid,
Perhaps the hydroxide forming reactions may have taken place over a long period of time. In the case of samarium, the formation of hydroxide takes place in 2 stages:
1) Sm2O3 + H2O = 2SmO(OH)
2) SmO(OH) + H2O = Sm(OH)3
Hello Farid,
thanks for sharing this very interesting technical question on RG. We worked with virtually all lanthanide elements for many years. Normally the lanthanide oxides were our main starting materials in this chemistry. To the best of my knowledge samarium(III) oxide is indefinitely stable and does not slowly transform into the hydroxide. We had samples of lanthanide oxides which were 40 or 50 years old. Especially if you always close the bottle tightly after use you should not worry.
Good luck with your work and best wishes, Frank Edelmann
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Powders