Substance name: Yttrium(III) nitrate hexahydrate
Chemical formula: Y(NO3)3 · 6H2O
Common uses: research reagent, catalyst in syntheses, materials science applications, nuclear industry work
Physical appearance: colorless to white, crystalline solid that sometimes comes with a faint odor
Odor threshold: typically described as slight or not notable by experience
Solubility: easily dissolves in water, making it accessible for many laboratory uses
Synonyms: Yttrium nitrate, Yttrium trinitrate hexahydrate
CAS number: 13494-98-9
Main concerns: irritates skin, eyes, and respiratory tract
Routes of exposure: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Short-term health effects: eyes and mucous membranes may sting, skin may get red or sore, nose and throat can feel scratchy, inhaling dust can lead to coughing or shortness of breath
Long-term health effects: repeated exposure might make skin dryness or irritation worse
Fire hazard: not flammable on its own, but can intensify a fire due to oxidizing nitrate
Environmental statement: potentially harmful to aquatic life if released in quantity
Main component: Yttrium(III) nitrate hexahydrate, purity generally above 98% in lab supplies
Other ingredients: typically present as trace contaminants only, often below reportable thresholds
Inhalation: move to fresh air, breathe normally, seek medical help if coughing or irritation persists despite moving away
Eye contact: rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes, lift eyelids occasionally, don’t rub eyes, check for ongoing irritation and seek further care if problems do not clear up
Skin contact: wash with plenty of soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, check skin for rash or burn, see a doctor if redness or discomfort remains
Ingestion: rinse out mouth, do not force vomiting, drink water to dilute if safe to swallow, see a doctor if feeling unwell at all or if a large amount has been swallowed
Suitable extinguishing media: water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Fire behaviors: though the material itself does not burn, strong oxidizer content lets it speed up the burning of combustible materials nearby
Advice for firefighters: wear self-contained breathing sets, chemical-resistant gear, keep run-off water out of sewers and waterways because contamination spreads quickly
Hazardous combustion products: nitrogen oxides, yttrium oxides, possibly toxic fumes released if involved in a fire
Protective actions: avoid breathing dust, ventilate the area well, evacuate unprotected people
Personal protection: use gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator
Spill response: scoop or sweep up without raising dust, place in marked waste containers, wash site with water after material pickup, ventilate area
Environment: stop spill from entering drains or watercourses, take care in labs to use containment trays or other controls
Safe work: keep containers tightly closed, handle in a well-ventilated work area, avoid creating and breathing dust
Storage: cool, dry place, avoid sun and sources of heat, keep away from easily-burned items, strong acids, and reducing agents
Special notes: label storage clearly, don’t store with organic materials or unlabelled chemicals
Engineering controls: fume hoods or local exhaust, avoid open handling for large amounts, make sure work surfaces are well-ventilated
Personal protection: safety goggles, gloves resistant to chemicals (like nitrile or neoprene), lab coat
Respiratory protection: use dust mask or respirator if dust creation is possible, especially in poorly ventilated spaces
Hygiene: wash hands after use, don’t eat or drink in chemical handling areas, store contaminated gloves separately from other clothing
Appearance: white to colorless crystals
Odor: faint, sometimes not noticed
Melting point: decomposes at elevated temperatures
Boiling point: not applicable, as it breaks down rather than boils
Vapor pressure: negligible at room temperature
Solubility in water: highly soluble
Density: typically around 2.45 g/cm³
pH: forms moderately acidic solution in water
Stability: stays solid under dry storage, avoids decomposition unless heated strongly or mixed with incompatible materials
Reactivity: shows oxidizing properties due to nitrate group
Chemical stability: stable in dry conditions, can break down with heat or moisture
Hazardous reactions: strong reaction with organic materials, reducing agents, and some metals
Danger byproducts: nitrogen oxides released during breakdown or fire
Possible effects: irritates skin and eyes, causes discomfort to nose and lungs if breathed in
Acute symptoms: brief exposure often causes redness, coughing, watery eyes, upset stomach if swallowed
Long-term exposure: skin dryness, peeling, maybe minor respiratory issues in poorly controlled settings
Known data: not listed as carcinogenic, chronic toxicity considered lower than many industrial metals, but repeated overexposure raises health risks
Aquatic impact: can harm fish or aquatic life if large amounts enter water; breaks down to form yttrium ions and nitrates
Soil mobility: soluble salts may spread in wet conditions, risking groundwater quality
Persistence: metal ions tend to stick around; nitrates may encourage algal blooming, disturb ecosystems
Degradability: does not degrade quickly; bioaccumulation data for yttrium are limited, but best practice keeps all such chemicals out of the environment
Safe disposal: treat as hazardous waste unless local rules say otherwise, use certified waste handlers
Technique: do not dump in sinks, public drains, or regular trash; always contain, label, and hand to experienced waste disposal firm
Rationale: keeps toxic metals and nitrates out of the water and landfill, prevents accidental release in garbage or sewers
Transport precautions: pack in sealed containers, label for oxidizer hazard if moving significant quantity, take steps to avoid container puncture or spillage
Modes: fit for ground or air shipment if packaged as per regulations on oxidizers and toxic solids
Notes: keep shipping paperwork attached to outer box, never ship with flammable or incompatible chemicals
Compliance: material often appears on lists of dangerous chemicals due to oxidizing nitrate and presence of rare earth metal
Occupational safety: most local and international rules suggest engineering controls and PPE to keep staff safe
Environmental law: subject to clean water and waste disposal statutes, spills reportable to environment authorities in most regions
Workplace standards: follow chemical hygiene practices; safety training is common and prudent