Gadolinium(III) nitrate

Gadolinium(III) nitrate
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.030.385 Edit this at Wikidata
  • InChI=1S/Gd.3NO3/c;3*2-1(3)4/q+3;3*-1 checkY
    Key: MWFSXYMZCVAQCC-UHFFFAOYSA-N checkY
  • InChI=1/Gd.3NO3/c;3*2-1(3)4/q+3;3*-1
    Key: MWFSXYMZCVAQCC-UHFFFAOYAX
  • [Gd+3].O=[N+]([O-])[O-].[O-][N+]([O-])=O.[O-][N+]([O-])=O
Properties
Gd(NO3)3
Molar mass 343.26 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline solid
Density 2.3 g/cm3
Melting point 91 °C (196 °F; 364 K)
Soluble
Hazards
Safety data sheet (SDS) External MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Gadolinium(III) nitrate is an inorganic compound of gadolinium. This salt is used as a water-soluble neutron poison in nuclear reactors.[1] Gadolinium nitrate, like all nitrate salts, is an oxidizing agent.

The most common form of this substance is hexahydrate Gd(NO3)3•6H2O with molecular weight 451.36 g/mol and CAS Number: 19598-90-4.[1]

Use

Gadolinium nitrate was used at the Savannah River Site heavy water nuclear reactors and had to be separated from the heavy water for storage or reuse.[2][3] The Canadian CANDU reactor, a pressurized heavy water reactor, also uses gadolinium nitrate as a water-soluble neutron poison in heavy water.

Gadolinium nitrate is also used as a raw material in the production of other gadolinium compounds, for production of specialty glasses and ceramics and as a phosphor.

References

  1. ^ DOE Fundamentals Handbook: Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory (PDF). U.S. Department of Energy. January 1993. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-04-23. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  2. ^ E. Wilde; C. Berry. "Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator".
  3. ^ E.W. Wilde; M.B. Goli; C.J. Berry; J.W. Santo Domingo; H.L. Martin. "Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator" (PDF).