Characteristic
Samarium(III) oxide (Sm2O3) is a chemical compound.The oxide is commonly white to off yellow in color and is often encountered as a highly fine dust like powder.
Chemical formula:Sm2O3
Molar mass: 348.72 g/mol
Appearance: yellow-white crystals
Density: 8.347 g/cm3
Melting point: 2,335 °C (4,235 °F; 2,608 K)
Boiling point: Not Stated
Solubility in water:insoluble
Magnetic susceptibility (χ):+1988.0·10−6 cm3/mol
Crystal structure:cubic
Application
The biocompatibility of natural samarium (III) oxide, which has previously been used for treatment in bone-related diseases was determined as a first step in its evaluation as a bone implant material. The rates and products of the purely heterogeneous oxidations of C2H6 (g) and C2H4 (g) on Sm2O3 in the presence of O2 (g) were investigated in a very low-pressure flow reactor by on-line molecular beam mass spectrometry, about 1000±100 K. Samarium(III) oxide is used in optical and infrared absorbing glass to absorb infrared radiation. Also, it is used as a neutron absorber in control rods for nuclear power reactors. The oxide catalyzes dehydration of acyclic primary alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. Another use involves preparation of other samarium salts.