Neodymium arsenate explained

Neodymium arsenate, also known as neodymium(III) arsenate, is the arsenate of neodymium with the chemical formula of NdAsO₄. In this compound, neodymium exhibits the +3 oxidation state. It has good thermal stability, and its pK_sp,c is 21.86±0.11.^[1]

Preparation

Neodymium arsenate can be obtained from the reaction between sodium arsenate (Na₃AsO₄) and neodymium chloride (NdCl₃) in solution:^[2]

Na₃AsO₄ + NdCl₃ → 3 NaCl + NdAsO₄↓

When crystallizing from a lead pyroarsenate flux, neodymium arsenate crystals produced explode when cooled.^[3]

Neodymium arsenate also occurs in nature as a mineral.^[4]

See also

• Arsenic

Notes and References

1. Firsching, F. Henry. . Solubility products of the trivalent rare-earth arsenates. Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data. 1992. 37. 4. 497–499. 10.1021/je00008a028.
2. Gabisoniya, Ts. D.; Nanobashvili, E. M.. Synthesis of rare earth metal arsenates. Soobshcheniya Akademii Nauk Gruzinskoi SSR (1980), 97(2), 345-8.
3. Feigelson . Robert S. . Crystal Growth of Rare-Earth Orthoarsenates . Journal of the American Ceramic Society . August 1967 . 50 . 8 . 433–434 . 10.1111/j.1151-2916.1967.tb15150.x.
4. American Mineralogist . 2000 . 85 . 1321–1325. New Mineral Names.