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.
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3D model (JSmol)
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| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.030.385 |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| 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) |
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| 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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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
editGadolinium 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ E. Wilde; C. Berry. "Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator".
- ^ 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).