Abstract
The thermal decomposition of lutetium (III) acetate tetrahydrate has been studied by TG, DTA, DSC, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography and chemical analysis. The tetrahydrate decomposes to anhydrous acetate at 60°C. The anhydrous acetate shows a reversible transition between 245° and 255°C with the heat of transition of 8.62kJ/mol. The anhydrous acetate releases acetone and carbon dioxide and decomposes to lutetium (III) oxide through an intermediate compound in the temperature range of 300° and 640°C. The compound belongs to the tetragonal system with the estimated composition of Lu2O2CO3.
