Rare Earth Chlorides
Rare earth chlorides, also known as florides, are chemical compounds containing rare earth elements and chlorine. Originally discovered in the late 1700s, rare earth chlorides are widely used in industry, such as the production of glass, ceramics, and electronic components. It is widely used due to its permanent magnetic properties, unique optical spectra, and high chemical reactivity.
Rare earth chlorides are made from a wide range of elements belonging to the lanthanide series, which includes europium, terbium, and samarium. Rare earth elements become stabilized by incorporating appreciable amounts of both electronegative and electropositive chlorine atoms. The resulting rare earth chloride is a cationic molecule, which means that its positive charge is generally greater than the negative charge of the anionic molecule. The overall charge of the rare earth chloride cation is determined by the number of times the chlorine cancels out the positive charge from the rare earth elements.
Rare earth chlorides are usually used as an additive in a variety of industrial processes, such as glass and ceramic manufacturing, electronic components fabrication, as well as in applications involving fluorescent lighting, electrical wiring, and optical coatings. Additionally, rare earth chlorides are employed in various pharmaceutical applications, such as in the production of plasticizers, civil engineering materials, catalysts, and fire retardant materials.
When used in a glass-manufacturing process, rare earth chlorides can promote a type of crystal glass to become strongly luminescent with a rich color range. By coupling rare earth chlorides with other additives, glass makers can produce a wide range of fluorescent colors for decorative purposes. Additionally, rare earth chlorides are frequently incorporated in electro-finishing processes and are used to modify the surface texture of metal objects.
Rare earth chlorides are typically available in either solid or liquid form. Solid rare earth chloride compounds are primarily used in glass and ceramic manufacturing processes, while liquid forms are available for purposes such as electrofinishing, plasticizing, and metal surface treatments.
In addition to its industrial applications, rare earth chlorides have also been used in nuclear research and their derivatives have been of interest in the field of nuclear medicine. This interest is due to their ability to form long-lived radioactive isotopes. They can also bind with certain metal ions, forming metal complexes which can then be studied in terms of nuclear structure.
The general safety procedure when handling rare earth chloride is to wear protective costumes, such as a respirator and eye goggles. Rare earth chloride furthermore contains several noxious materials, such as yttrium and lanthanum, which can cause irritating fumes and can be absorbed through the skin. As a result, it is important to take necessary steps to protect oneself while handling rare earth chloride. Some of these steps include limiting the amount of exposure to the hazardous material, as well as using gloves and protective clothing.
In conclusion, rare earth chlorides are essential chemical compounds containing rare earth elements and chlorine. It is widely used for a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of glass and ceramics, as well as its application in pharmaceutical processes. Furthermore, rare earth chlorides have also been used in nuclear research and their derivatives have been of interest in the field of nuclear medicine. When handling rare earth chloride, it is essential to take necessary steps to protect oneself and limit the amount of exposure to the hazardous material.
