| Scandium(III) oxide | |
|---|---|
| Image:Scandium(III) oxide.jpg | |
| Other names | Scandia |
| Molecular formula | Sc2O3 |
| Molar mass | 137.91 g/mol |
| CAS number | [12060-08-1] |
| Density | 3.86 g/cm3 |
| Solubility (water) | Insoluble |
| Melting point | 2485 °C |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Scandium(III) oxide is an ionic compound also known as scandium oxide and scandia. It is composed of two scandium atoms and three oxygen atoms. The oxidation state of the scandium is +3. The empirical formula is Sc2O3.
Chemical and physical properties
Scandium(III) oxide is a white amorphous powder used in high-temperature systems (for its resistance to heat and thermal shock), electronic ceramics, and glass composition (as a helper material). It is converted into the Lewis acid scandium(III) triflate by reaction with triflic acid. It is converted into scandium(III) chloride by reaction with excess aqueous HCl or aqueous HCl/NH4Cl mixtures. Sc2O3 + 6 HCl → 2 ScCl3 + 3 H2O Unlike its higher homologues yttrium oxide and lanthanum oxide, scandium oxide will dissolve in alkali to form scandate salts. In this, scandium shows more similarity with aluminium oxide.
