Terbium(III) chloride

Terbium(III) chloride (TbCl₃) is a chemical compound. In the solid state TbCl₃ has the YCl₃ layer structure. Terbium(III) chloride frequently forms a hexahydrate.

Preparation

The hexahydrate of terbium(III) chloride can be obtained by the reaction of terbium(III) oxide and hydrochloric acid:

Tb₂O₃ + 6 HCl → 2 TbCl₃ + 3 H₂O

It can also be obtained by direct reaction of the elements:

2 Tb + 3 Cl₂ → 2 TbCl₃

Properties

Terbium(III) chloride is a white, hygroscopic powder. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic plutonium(III) bromide crystal structure with space group Cmcm (No. 63). It can form a complex Tb(gly)₃Cl₃·3H₂O with glycine.

Applications

The hexahydrate plays an important role as an activator of green phosphors in color TV tubes and is also used in specialty lasers and as a dopant in solid-state devices.

Hazards

Terbium(III) chloride causes hyperemia of the iris. Conditions/substances to avoid are: heat, acids and acid fumes.

References