Neodymium chloride hexahydrate

Neodymium chloride hexahydrate (CAS 13477-89-9), molecular formula NdCl₃·6H₂O and molecular weight 358.69 g/mol, is a water-soluble rare earth chloride salt; it presents as violet-purple crystals.

Where is Neodymium chloride hexahydrate used?

• Catalyst, ceramics, electronics and extractive metallurgy: primary soluble neodymium source
• Extractive metallurgy and metals refining: standard feed for molten-salt electrolysis to produce neodymium metal, and intermediate in synthesis of nitrates, oxalates and carbonates
• Rubber and elastomers: precursor for the neodymium–isopropanol adduct (NdCl₃·3iPrOH) used as a Ziegler–Natta catalyst component in solution and bulk polymerisation of butadiene to high-cis neodymium-butadiene rubber (Nd-BR)
• Ceramics, glazes and specialty glass: fully soluble source for sol-gel coating formulations and wet-chemical glaze preparation, imparting the sharp violet-purple absorption of Nd³⁺ for colorimetric effects in architectural and decorative glass and didymium-type filter glasses
• Electronics and solid-state lasers: high-purity grades support synthesis of Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO₄ single-crystal precursor solutions and dielectric thin-film materials
• Controlled chloride and iron content of the dissolved salt is critical to catalyst reproducibility and polymer microstructure.

Good to know: The related anhydrous form, neodymium trichloride (CAS 10024-93-8), is a distinct product used where moisture-sensitive processing is required. Covered by the REACH registration of neodymium trichloride in the 1–10 t/a tonnage band.

Commercial specifications

• Purities from 2N to 4N on a rare earth oxide basis
• Nd₂O₃/TREO typically ≥ 99.9 %
• TREO content of the hydrated salt approximately 40–45 %
• Lot-level specifications report Nd₂O₃/TREO purity, TREO content, moisture and trace metallic impurities (Fe, Ca, Si) at ppm level; 25 kg double-polyethylene-lined drums, 1–5 kg packs