Praeseodymium

Praeseodymium, Pr, is a metallic element, which is found in the lanthanide series of inner transition metals in Group IIIa of the periodic table.

Atomic Number : 59
Relative Atomic Mass : 140.91

Discovery

Praeseodymium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1885AD.

Praeseodymium was isolated as a pure metal in 1935AD.

Occurrence

Praeseodymium occurs with other rare earths in a wide range of minerals. Its principal ores are monazite and bastnasite.

Extraction

Praeseodymium is separated from other rare earths by ion exchange chromatography and then extracted by reduction of a mixture of its chloride and fluoride with calcium.

Properties

Praeseodymium is

a soft silvery lustrous metallic ductile metal, which may be cut with a knife,
is reactive and develops a green coating of its oxide, which spalls off, in air and
is attacked by dilute acids.

Uses

Praeseodymium is used to give a yellow colouration to glass.

Praeseodymium is used in arc lighting.

Start of Hypertext .... Elements .... Compounds .... Index