Synthesis
Thulium(III) oxide has been made in the laboratory using various methods. One method involves burning thulium metal or its various salts in air. Thulium(III) oxide can be made using a hydrothermal method where thulium(III) acetate is mixed with an ammonia solution, which causes thulium(III) oxide to precipitate as a white solid.Properties
Thulium(III) oxide (Tm₂O₃) is a pale green, thermally stable powder with a high melting point of 2,341 °C and a density of 8.6 g/cm³, typically forming a cubic crystal structure. It is resistant to oxidation and dissolves in strong acids like hydrochloric acid, allowing it to form soluble thulium salts. Due to its unique f-electron configuration, Tm₂O₃ has notable optical properties. Thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) is considered fibrogenic; it has the potential to induce tissue injury and fibrosis when inhaled or otherwise introduced to biological tissue.References
{{Oxides Thulium compounds Sesquioxides