Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Y |
| Atomic Number | 39 |
| Atomic Mass | 88.906 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period | 5 |
| Group | 3 |
| Block | d |
| Electron Configuration | [Kr] 4d¹ 5s² |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Density | 4.472 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1522°C (1795 K) |
| Boiling Point | 3345°C (3618 K) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metal |
Atomic Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Electron Configuration | [Kr] 4d¹ 5s² |
| Electronegativity | 1.22 (Pauling scale) |
| First Ionization Energy | 600 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 180 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 190 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 219 pm |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Johan Gadolin Year of Discovery: 1794 Location: Ytterby, Sweden
Etymology
Named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden where the mineral ytterbite (later gadolinite) was found. Ytterby gave its name to four elements: yttrium, erbium, terbium, and ytterbium.
Discovery Story
Johan Gadolin discovered yttrium oxide in 1794 while analyzing a mineral from Ytterby quarry. Friedrich Wöhler is credited with isolating impure yttrium metal in 1828. The pure metal was not obtained until 1953.
Isotopes
| Isotope | Natural Abundance | Half-life | Decay Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⁸⁹Y | 100% | Stable | - |
Occurrence
Natural Abundance
Yttrium is relatively common, comprising about 33 ppm of Earth's crust (more abundant than lead). It is found in rare earth minerals, including xenotime, monazite, and bastnasite. Major producers are China, Russia, and India.
Extraction and Production
- Ion Exchange: Separation from rare earth mixtures
- Solvent Extraction: Modern industrial method
- Reduction: Of yttrium fluoride with calcium
- Global production: about 8,000 tons annually
Applications and Uses
Lighting and Displays
- Phosphors for CRT and LED displays
- White LED phosphors (YAG:Ce)
- Energy-efficient fluorescent lamps
Materials Science
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for thermal barrier coatings
- High-temperature superconductors (YBCO)
- Strengthening aluminum and magnesium alloys
Medical Applications
- Yttrium-90 for cancer treatment (radiotherapy)
- Radiosynovectomy for arthritis
Other Uses
- Laser crystals (Nd:YAG, Er:YAG)
- Spark plugs (yttrium oxide)
- Microwave filters (YIG)
Biological Role
Yttrium has no known biological role and is not essential for any organism.
In the Human Body
Yttrium is not normally present in the body. Trace amounts may be absorbed from food and water.
Toxicity
Yttrium compounds have low to moderate toxicity.
Safety and Hazards
Toxicity
Yttrium compounds are considered mildly toxic. Yttrium dust can be flammable.
Handling Precautions
- Yttrium powder and turnings can ignite in air
- Handle radioactive Y-90 with appropriate precautions
- Standard rare earth handling procedures apply
- Dust may irritate eyes and respiratory system
Environmental Impact
Yttrium is naturally occurring and mining has typical environmental impacts. Rare earth mining often has significant environmental consequences.
Interesting Facts
- Ytterby, Sweden is the only place to have four elements named after it
- Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers are used in surgery and manufacturing
- Yttrium-90 is used in targeted cancer therapy
- YBCO was the first "high-temperature" superconductor (above liquid nitrogen temperature)
- Despite being called a "rare earth," yttrium is more abundant than lead