Thermal decomposition of yttrium(III) hexanoate in argon

Abstract The thermal decomposition of yttrium(III) hexanoate (Y(C 5 H 11 CO 2 ) 3 )· x H 2 O in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, IR-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction at a laboratory Cu-tube source and in-situ experiments at a synchrotron radiation source as well as hot-stage optical microscopy. Dehydration occurs between 40 °C and 110 °C and is accompanied by a transition from solid to liquid crystalline state. At the onset of the main decomposition stage of the anhydrous Y(C 5 H 11 CO 2 ) 3 , solidification takes place in the 315–335 °C range. Y(C 5 H 11 CO 2 ) 3 decomposes in a single step into Y 2 O 2 CO 3 with release of CO 2 and 6-undecanone between 280 °C and 490 °C. A side reaction appears to yield elemental carbon and volatile decane (C 10 H 22 ). Y 2 O 2 CO 3 is converted to Y 2 O 3 with release of CO 2 between 500 °C and 975 °C.