Lutetium(III) hydroxide explained

Lutetium(III) hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Lu(OH)₃.

Production

Reacting lutetium chloride and alkalis will first produce Lu(OH)₂Cl, then it will become Lu(OH)_2.5Cl_0.5. Finally, the reaction will produce Lu(OH)₃.^[1]

LuCl₃+2 NaOH→Lu(OH)₂Cl+2 NaCl

Lu(OH)₂Cl+0.5 NaOH→Lu(OH)_2.5Cl_0.5+0.5 NaCl

Lu(OH)_2.5Cl_0.5+0.5 NaOH→Lu(OH)₃+0.5 NaCl

Chemical properties

Lutetium(III) hydroxide can react with acid and form lutetium(III) salts：

Lu(OH)₃ + 3 H⁺ → Lu³⁺ + 3 H₂OWhile heating lutetium(III) hydroxide, it will produce LuO(OH), continued heating could produce Lu₂O₃.

Notes and References

1. Aksel'rud, N. V.; Akhrameeva, T. I. Basic chlorides and hydroxide of lutetium. Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 1962. 7. pp 1998-2001. .