Praseodymium (Pr)
| Atomic Number | 59 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 140.907662 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Electron Config | [Xe] 4f³ 6s² |
| Appearance | grayish white |
| Density (STP) | 6640 g/L |
| Melting Point | 1208 K |
| Boiling Point | 3403 K |
| Electronegativity | 1.13 (Pauling) |
| Ionization Energy | 527 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 185 pm |
| Crystal Structure | Simple Hexagonal |
| Discovered By | Carl Auer von Welsbach (1885) |
Brief Introduction
Praseodymium (Pr) is a soft, silvery, malleable rare earth metal that develops a green oxide coating when exposed to air. It is used primarily for its magnetic and optical properties. Key details about Praseodymium (Pr) are as follows:
Uses: Used in strong permanent magnets (with neodymium), yellow-green pigments for ceramics and glass, carbon arc lighting for movie projectors, welding goggles (absorbs infrared and yellow light), and in mischmetal for lighter flints.
Production/Extraction: Extracted from monazite and bastnäsite ores alongside other rare earths. China dominates production. Relatively abundant among rare earth elements.
History: Discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach in Austria by separating it from didymium (a mixture of praseodymium and neodymium). Named from Greek "prasios didymos" (green twin).
Health Effects & Safety: Low toxicity with limited data. No known biological role. Praseodymium compounds should be handled with care. Dust may be a fire hazard.
Price/Market: Moderate pricing. Demand driven by magnets and specialty glass applications. Price fluctuates with rare earth market dynamics and Chinese export policies.
Properties: Soft and malleable, forms green oxide coating in air, exhibits +3 oxidation state primarily (also +4), paramagnetic, and compounds are characteristically green or yellow-green.
← Cerium (Ce) · Neodymium (Nd) →