Neodymium nitrate hexahydrate

Neodymium nitrate hexahydrate (CAS 16454-60-7), formally Neodymium(III) nitrate hexahydrate with the formula Nd(NO₃)₃·6H₂O, is a water-soluble rare earth salt.

Where is Neodymium nitrate hexahydrate used?

• Electronics and advanced materials: sol-gel precursor for nano-Nd₂O₃ coatings and dielectric ceramic formulations
• Nd:YAG laser glass synthesis: starting material for controlled rare earth doping
• Oil, gas and energy: impregnation agent for catalyst preparation, including fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) supports and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrode development
• Glass and building materials: colourant precursor imparting violet-to-grey tints to architectural and specialty glass
• Automotive: exhaust aftertreatment catalyst research and development, where rare earth promoters improve thermal stability and conversion efficiency
• In solution-phase processing it serves as the neodymium source wherever precise stoichiometric control is required.

Good to know: As an oxidising solid, classified under UN 1477, Class 5.1, it must be stored away from combustible materials, organic substances and reducing agents; signal word Danger. The anhydrous salt (CAS 10045-95-1) may be specified where moisture-sensitive handling demands a lower water of crystallisation.

Commercial specifications

• Grades from 2N to 4N purity on a rare earth oxide basis, expressed as Nd₂O₃/TREO ≥ 99 % to ≥ 99.9 %
• Total rare earth oxide (TREO) content typically approximately 37–38 %
• Crystalline solid or 30–50 % aqueous solution
• Packaging: 25 kg drums for crystalline solid; IBCs for aqueous solution grades; 1–5 kg quantities for research and process development lots