Yttrium Oxide Properties and Laboratory Applications Explained

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3), a rare-earth oxide with a high melting point and strong chemical stability, is a material of continuing interest in inorganic chemistry and materials science. Its physical properties, purity controls and safety requirements are central to laboratory use. The following overview summarizes key specifications and compliance notes.

Physical and chemical properties

Yttrium oxide, identified by CAS number 1314-36-9, is a solid powder with a molecular weight of 225.81. It is soluble in dilute acids but practically insoluble in water, a property profile that shapes how it is handled and prepared in research settings.

The compound also exhibits very high thermal stability. Its melting point is 2410°C and its boiling point is 4300°C, with a density of 5.01 g/cm3 at 20°C. These values are relevant to experimental design in high-temperature and materials-processing work.

Purity and laboratory selection

For laboratory research, purity and impurity control are core measures of product quality. High-purity yttrium oxide is commonly available at purity levels of 99% or higher, with typical package sizes including 25 g and 100 g for different experimental scales.

Each batch is generally accompanied by a certificate of analysis that states purity and lists trace-element concentrations, including calcium oxide, ferric oxide and silicon dioxide. Because differences in these impurities can affect the reproducibility of experimental results, the certificate for the specific batch should be checked before use.

Safety and regulatory labeling

Yttrium oxide is not an ordinary chemical and is subject to strict compliance requirements in laboratory use. It is labeled for research use only and must not be used for clinical diagnosis or treatment.

Under European Union chemicals regulations, its EC number is 215-233-5 and its RTECS number is ZG3850000. Its German WGK classification is 1, reflecting an assessment level for environmental hazard. Laboratory personnel should store and handle the material in accordance with institutional safety procedures.