Ytterbium(III) sulfide

Ytterbium(III) sulfide is a binary inorganic compound of ytterbium and sulfur with the chemical formula Yb₂S₃.

Ytterbium(III) sulfide

Names
Other names Ytterbium sulfide, diytterbium trisulfide, ytterbium sesquisulfide
Identifiers
CAS Number	12039-20-2
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	145470
ECHA InfoCard	100.031.704
EC Number	234-888-8
PubChem CID	166022
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	90923375
InChI InChI=1S/S.Yb Key: QHGZBASAVJOMNS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES [Yb].[S]
Properties
Chemical formula	S3Yb2
Molar mass	442.27 g·mol−1
Appearance	yellow crystals
Density	6.02 g/cm3
Solubility in water	insoluble
Structure
Crystal structure	rhombic
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Preparation

Ytterbium(III) sulfide can be obtained by reacting ytterbium and sulfur in an inert atmosphere at 450–800 °C:

2Yb + 3S → Yb₂S₃

It can also be prepared by passing hydrogen sulfide through heated ytterbium(III) oxide:

Yb₂O₃ + 3H₂S → Yb₂S₃ + 3H₂O

Physical properties

Ytterbium(III) sulfide forms yellow crystals of rhombic symmetry, and cell parameters a = 0.678 nm, b = 0.995 nm, c = 0.361 nm.

Uses

The compound is used in the production of ceramics and as a catalyst.