Lutetium oxide

Lutetium oxide (CAS 12032-20-1), formally lutetia (Lu₂O₃), is a dense white powder belonging to the rare earth oxides group.

Where is Lutetium oxide used?

• Electronics and medical imaging: precursor for lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) and lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) scintillator crystals used as detector elements in positron emission tomography (PET) scanners
• Photonics: host lattice for rare-earth-doped solid-state laser materials, with a cubic crystal structure and low phonon energy supporting energy transfer in laser gain media
• Pharmaceutical and fine-chemical manufacturing: catalyst and catalyst precursor in polymerisation and hydrogenation, acting as Lewis acid promoters or incorporated into mixed-oxide catalyst formulations
• It is technically distinct within the rare earth family as the heaviest stable lanthanide oxide.

Good to know: Not currently subject to a verified Ph. Eur. or USP monograph; buyers with regulatory requirements should confirm applicable quality standards with internal compliance teams prior to procurement. No food-grade or E-number designation applies.

Commercial specifications

• Purity of Lu₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99.99 %, with TREO ≥ 99 % on an as-received basis
• Specifications address particle size distribution, loss on ignition (LOI), and trace rare earth impurity profiles
• Packaged in sealed 1–5 kg containers under inert or dry conditions for research and development or small-scale synthesis
• Larger industrial consignments in 25 kg fibre drums or multilayer bags; bulk enquiries should specify purity grade, particle size, and impurity limits