Praseodymium hexaboride

Praseodymium hexaboride is a binary inorganic compound of praseodymium and boron with the formula PrB6. It forms black crystals that are insoluble in water.

Preparation
Praseodymium hexaboride can be prepared from the reaction of stoichiometric quantities of praseodymium and boron:


 * Pr + 6B -> PrB6

Properties
Praseodymium hexaboride forms black crystals of the cubic crystal system, with space group Pm$\overline{3}$m, cell parameters a = 0.4129 nm, Z = 1, and structure isotypical with calcium hexaboride. The compound melts congruently at 2610 °C. At temperatures below 7 K, a magnetic transition to an antiferromagnetic state occurs in the compound. It does not dissolve in water.

Uses
Praseodymium hexaboride is used as a component of alloys for cathodes of high-power electronic devices.