Yttrium hydroxide
# 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:

    $Y(NO_3)_3$ + 3 NaOH → $Y(OH)_3↓$ + 3 $NaNO_3$

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 $HNO_3$ → $Y(NO_3)_3$ + 3 $H_2O$
    2 $Y(OH)_3$ + 3 $H_2SO_4$ → $Y_2(SO_4)_3$ + 3 $H_2O$

The compound absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide.

When heated, yttrium(III) hydroxide will decompose:

    2 $Y(OH)_3$ → $Y_2O_3$ + 3 $H_2O↑$
