Praseodymium hexaboride

Praseodymium hexaboride is a binary inorganic compound of praseodymium and boron with the formula PrB₆. It forms black crystals that are insoluble in water.

Preparation

Praseodymium hexaboride can be prepared from the reaction of stoichiometric quantities of praseodymium and boron:

Pr + 6B → PrB₆

Properties

Praseodymium hexaboride forms black crystals of the cubic crystal system, with space group Pm3m, cell parameters a = 0.4129 nm, Z = 1, and structure isotypical with calcium hexaboride. The compound melts congruently at 2610 °C. At temperatures below 7 K, a magnetic transition to an antiferromagnetic state occurs in the compound. It does not dissolve in water.

Uses

Praseodymium hexaboride is used as a component of alloys for cathodes of high-power electronic devices.

References