What Is Dysprosium(III) Nitrate Pentahydrate?

Dysprosium(III) nitrate pentahydrate, formula Dy(NO₃)₃·5H₂O (CAS 10031-49-9, MW 438.58 g/mol), is the pentahydrated nitrate salt of dysprosium, a heavy lanthanide element (atomic number 66). It typically appears as a white to off-white hygroscopic crystalline solid. Dysprosium is notable for having one of the highest magnetic moments among all elements, making its soluble salts highly attractive for magnetic, optical, and functional-materials research. The nitrate salt form is particularly valued because it is easily dissolved in water and common polar solvents, providing a convenient and reactive Dy³⁺ ion source for solution-phase chemistry and wet-chemical synthesis routes.

Key Physical and Chemical Properties

Dysprosium(III) nitrate pentahydrate is an ionic compound in which three nitrate anions (NO₃⁻) balance the charge of the Dy³⁺ cation, with five water molecules of crystallization completing the lattice. Key properties include:

• Appearance: White to off-white hygroscopic crystals
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water; soluble in alcohols and other polar protic solvents
• Oxidation state: Dysprosium is present in the +3 oxidation state, the most stable and common state for lanthanides
• Thermal behavior: Upon heating, the hydrate loses water of crystallization; further heating decomposes the nitrate, ultimately yielding dysprosium oxide (Dy₂O₃)
• Oxidizing nature: As a nitrate salt, it is a mild oxidizer and should be kept away from combustible organic materials

The compound is paramagnetic at room temperature and exhibits characteristic near-infrared luminescence transitions associated with the 4f electron configuration of Dy³⁺.

Research Applications

Dysprosium(III) nitrate pentahydrate serves as a primary precursor across several research disciplines:

• Single-molecule magnets (SMMs): Dy³⁺ is among the most widely used lanthanide ions for constructing SMMs due to its large magnetic anisotropy, making this nitrate salt a common starting material for coordination-chemistry synthesis.
• Phosphors and luminescent materials: Dy³⁺-doped phosphors exhibit characteristic yellow and blue emission bands, useful in white-light LED and display research.
• Rare-earth doped ceramics and glasses: The compound serves as a dysprosium dopant source for specialty optical and structural ceramics.
• Catalysis research: Lanthanide nitrates including dysprosium nitrate are explored as Lewis acid catalysts and catalyst precursors in organic transformations.
• Nanoparticle synthesis: Dy(NO₃)₃·5H₂O is a preferred precursor for hydrothermal and co-precipitation synthesis of dysprosium-containing nanoparticles and core-shell materials.
• Coordination polymers and MOFs: It provides the Dy³⁺ node in the assembly of luminescent or magnetic metal-organic frameworks.

Handling, Safety, and Storage Guidelines

Researchers should consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Dysprosium(III) nitrate pentahydrate before use. The following general guidelines apply:

• Oxidizer precautions: As a nitrate salt, it can support combustion. Store away from flammable solvents, reducing agents, and organic combustibles.
• Hygroscopicity: The compound absorbs moisture from the air. Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry environment to prevent caking and composition changes.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Use appropriate gloves, eye protection, and lab coat. Avoid generating dust; use a fume hood when handling large quantities or fine powders.
• Rare-earth toxicity: Rare-earth ions can be mildly toxic; avoid ingestion or inhalation. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Disposal: Dispose of dysprosium-containing waste according to local regulations for heavy-metal and inorganic waste streams.
• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong reducing agents, combustible materials, and strong bases that could precipitate Dy(OH)₃.

Always refer to the current SDS supplied with the product for the most authoritative safety information specific to this lot.

Purity, Quality, and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific supplies Dysprosium(III) nitrate pentahydrate under SKU D188970. When selecting a lot, researchers should consider:

• Purity grade: Check the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for assay value and trace-metal impurity levels. High-purity grades are recommended for spectroscopic and magnetic measurements where lanthanide cross-contamination can distort results.
• Lot-to-lot consistency: Request CoA data for water content (thermogravimetric or Karl Fischer) to confirm the pentahydrate stoichiometry, which directly affects solution molarity calculations.
• Packaging options: Available in various package sizes to suit discovery-scale and scale-up needs. Contact Aladdin Scientific for bulk quotations.
• Shelf life: Store sealed under recommended conditions; check the expiry date on the label before use.

For technical questions about specifications or to request a CoA, contact Aladdin Scientific customer support or your regional sales representative.