Ytterbium(III) sulfide

Ytterbium(III) sulfide is a binary inorganic compound of ytterbium and sulfur with the chemical formula Yb2S3.

Preparation
Ytterbium(III) sulfide can be obtained by reacting ytterbium and sulfur in an inert atmosphere at 450–800 °C:
 * 2Yb + 3S -> Yb2S3

It can also be prepared by passing hydrogen sulfide through heated ytterbium(III) oxide:
 * Yb2O3 + 3H2S -> Yb2S3 + 3H2O

Physical properties
Ytterbium(III) sulfide forms yellow crystals of rhombic symmetry, and cell parameters a = 0.678 nm, b = 0.995 nm, c = 0.361 nm.

Uses
The compound is used in the production of ceramics and as a catalyst.