The reduction of Ytterbium(III) to Ytterbium(II) using magnesium

Author

James Dustin Siler

Date of Award

5-1998

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Chemistry

Major Professor

George K. Schweitzer

Committee Members

James L. Adcock, Joseph R. Peterson

Abstract

Over five hundred individual experiments were performed with the objective of finding a means of totally reducing Yb³⁺ to Yb²⁺ with a reducing metal and removing this Yb²⁺ from an original Ln system. These experiments were run in non-aqueous solvents due to the instability of Yb²⁺ in H₂0. Of particular interest was the separation of Yb³⁺ and Lu³⁺. The best system for the production of Yb²⁺ was found to be the use of 50 mesh Mg powder in the non-aqueous solvent 50/50 dioxane/ethanol. Though separation of Yb³⁺ and Lu³⁺ was not achieved, considerable enrichment of Lu³⁺ in a saturated Ln system containing mostly Yb³⁺ and Lu³⁺ was realized. It was shown that displacement of about 50 percent of the Yb from solution was possible, with little to no displacement of Lu³⁺ from solution. Further, this process could be used to isolate solid YbCl² with little or no modification to the system.

Recommended Citation

Siler, James Dustin, "The reduction of Ytterbium(III) to Ytterbium(II) using magnesium. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 1998.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/9263