Yttrium hydroxide

Yttrium(III) hydroxide is an inorganic compound and an alkali with the chemical formula Y(OH)3.

Production
Yttrium(III) hydroxide can be produced by reacting yttrium(III) nitrate and sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution:


 * Y(NO3)3 + 3 NaOH → Y(OH)3↓ + 3 NaNO3

This gives yttrium(III) hydroxide as a white gelatinous precipitate, which can be dried to a white powder.

Chemical properties
Yttrium(III) hydroxide is an alkali, so it can react with acid:
 * Y(OH)3 + 3 HNO3 → Y(NO3)3 + 3 H2O


 * 2 Y(OH)3 + 3 H2SO4 → Y2(SO4)3 + 3 H2O

The compound absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide.

When heated, yttrium(III) hydroxide will decompose:
 * 2 Y(OH)3 → Y2O3 + 3 H2O↑