Thulium iodate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Tm(IO3)3. It is a compound composed of thulium, a rare earth element, and iodate ions. It usually appears as a crystalline solid, often with a color associated with thulium ions, which can be greenish or bluish. It can be prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of periodic acid and thulium periodate in water at 160 °C. Its crystals can also be crystallized in boiling nitric acid. Its solubility in water at 25 °C is 1.467±0.001 10−3 mol·dm−3).
While thulium itself has various applications in lasers and medical technologies, iodates can be of interest in analytical chemistry and potentially in materials science.
Properties
Thulium iodate is generally soluble in water, which is common for many iodate salts. Its thermal stability can vary, but it is generally stable under standard conditions. Decomposition may occur at high temperatures.
- Chemical formula: Tm(IO3)3
- Molar mass: 693.64
- Appearance: gray-white
Synthesis
Thulium iodate can be synthesized through the reaction of thulium oxide or thulium salts with iodic acid. It can be produced by reacting thulium compounds with iodic acid or iodine. This is often done in controlled laboratory settings. It typically forms crystalline structures, and its physical properties can depend on the specific conditions under which it is synthesized.
Reactivity
As with many iodates, thulium iodate may decompose under specific conditions, releasing iodine and other products.
Natural Occurrence
Thulium iodate is not commonly found in nature. Thulium itself is usually extracted from minerals like monazite and bastnäsite, but thulium iodate is typically synthesized in the laboratory.
Applications
Thulium compounds are used in various fields, including nuclear technology and laser technology. Thulium iodate may also be studied for its potential applications in materials science or as a precursor for other thulium compounds.
