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.

References

External links