Erbium(III) acetate explained

Erbium(III) acetate is the acetate salt of erbium, with the proposed chemical formula of Er(CH₃COO)₃. It can be used to synthesize some optical materials.^[1]

Physical properties

The tetrahydrate of erbium(III) acetate is thermally decomposed at 90 °C, giving a proposed anhydride:

Er(CH₃COO)₃·4H₂O → Er(CH₃COO)₃ + 4 H₂OContinued heating to 310 °C will form ketene:

Er(CH₃COO)₃ → Er(OH)(CH₃COO)₂ + CH₂=C=OAt 350 °C, the proposed Er(OH)(CH₃COO)₂ loses acetic acid to yield a material of the formula ErOCH₃COO, forming Er₂O₂CO₃ at 390 °C, finally obtaining Er₂O₃ at 590 °C.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Choi, M. H., & Ma, T. Y. (2008). Erbium concentration effects on the structural and photoluminescence properties of ZnO: Er films. Materials Letters, 62(12-13), 1835-1838.
2. Erbium oxide from erbium acetate hydrate; formation, characterization and catalytic activity. 118. 3. 285–290. 2001-08-28. 0032-5910. 10.1016/S0032-5910(00)00384-3. Powder Technology. 2019-02-01. G. A. M. Hussein.