Dysprosium(III) nitrate

Dysprosium(III) nitrate is an inorganic compound, a salt of dysprosium and nitric acid with the chemical formula Dy(NO3)3. The compound forms yellowish crystals, dissolves in water, forms a crystalline hydrate.

Synthesis
Anhydrous salt is obtained by the action of nitrogen dioxide on dysprosium(III) oxide:
 * $$\mathsf{2Dy_2O_3 + 9N_2O_4 \ \xrightarrow{150^oC}\ 4Dy(NO_3)_3 + 6NO }$$

The action of nitrogen dioxide on metallic dysprosium:
 * $$\mathsf{Dy + 3N_2O_4 \ \xrightarrow{200^oC}\ Dy(NO_3)_3 + 3NO }$$

Physical properties
Dysprosium(III) nitrate forms yellowish crystals.

The anhydrous nitrate forms a crystalline hydrate in wet air with the ideal composition of, which melts in its own crystallization water at 88.6 °C.

All hydrates (anhydrous, pentahydrate, and hexahydrate) are soluble in water and ethanol, hygroscopic.

Chemical properties
Hydrated dysprosium nitrate thermally decomposes to form, and further heating produces dysprosium oxide.

Application
Dysprosium(III) nitrate is used as a catalyst.