Erbium(III) hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Er(OH)₃.
Properties
Erbium(III) hydroxide appears as a pale pink, gelatinous precipitate. Its molar mass is 218.28 g/mol. The compound is identified by CAS number 14646-16-3, and its SMILES representation is [OH-].[OH-].[OH-].[Er+3].
Chemical Behavior
Erbium(III) hydroxide reacts with acids to produce erbium(III) salts:
Er(OH)₃ + 3H⁺ → Er³⁺ + 3H₂O
Upon heating, erbium(III) hydroxide decomposes first to erbium(III) oxide hydroxide (ErO(OH)) at elevated temperatures, and further heating yields erbium(III) oxide (Er₂O₃).
Uses
High-purity erbium(III) hydroxide is used as a colorant in glasses and porcelain enamel glazes. It is also applied as a dopant in the production of optical fibers and amplifiers. Erbium-doped optical silica-glass fibers serve as the active element in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), which are widely used in telecommunications.
