Lutetium(III) fluoride
Lutetium(III) fluoride, also known as lutetium trifluoride, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula LuF3. It is a salt composed of lutetium in its +3 oxidation state and fluoride ions. Lutetium(III) fluoride exists as a white solid at room temperature.
Lutetium(III) fluoride has a crystal structure that is typically rhombohedral (tysonite structure), similar to other rare-earth trifluorides. The lutetium ions are coordinated by fluoride ions.
It can be synthesized by reacting lutetium(III) oxide (Lu2O3) with hydrofluoric acid (HF). It can also be produced by reacting lutetium metal with fluorine gas.
Lutetium(III) fluoride is relatively insoluble in water. Due to the presence of fluoride, it is corrosive and should be handled with care.
While not extensively studied, Lutetium(III) fluoride is of interest in materials science and potentially in nuclear applications due to lutetium's neutron absorption properties. It may also be investigated for use in phosphors and optical materials, though other lutetium compounds are more commonly used for these purposes. Specific applications are often dependent on the purity and morphology of the material.