Yttrium

Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by the Swedish chemist Johan Gadolin. It was first isolated from a mineral called gadolinite, which contained other rare earth elements as well. The element was named after the town of Ytterby in Sweden, where the mineral was found. Over the years, yttrium's presence was confirmed in various rare earth minerals, and it became a well-studied element in the early 20th century. Significant advancements in the extraction and purification methods during the 1950s allowed for increased availability of yttrium and its compounds, leading to its adoption in various technological applications.

Yttrium is not found in its pure form in nature but is primarily located in various minerals, particularly those associated with rare earth elements. The most significant sources of yttrium include minerals like xenotime and monazite. These minerals often contain other rare elements such as cerium and thorium. The extraction of yttrium is generally performed through ion-exchange or solvent extraction techniques to separate it from other elements. Due to its relatively low abundance in the Earth's crust, the concentration of yttrium typically ranges from approximately 30 to 50 parts per million.

Yttrium does not play a known essential role in biological systems, and its biological activity is not well understood. However, yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope of yttrium, is relevant in medical applications, particularly in radiotherapy for cancer treatment. While yttrium itself is not vital for life, the compounds that contain yttrium have significant implications in various research and technological fields, including materials science and pharmaceuticals.

Yttrium is characterized by a silver-gray metallic appearance, with a density of approximately 4.47 grams per cubic centimeter. It has a melting point of around 1,522 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of approximately 3,338 degrees Celsius. As a transition metal, yttrium is stable in air and forms a protective oxide layer that prevents further oxidation. Chemically, it reacts with oxygen, water, and acids, forming yttrium oxide and various soluble salts. Yttrium compounds often exhibit interesting optical properties, making them valuable in phosphorescent materials.

Yttrium is widely utilized in various applications across different industries. One of its most significant uses is in the manufacturing of phosphors for color television and LED screens, where yttrium compounds emit red light. Additionally, yttrium is crucial in producing superconductors and various alloys, especially in improving the mechanical properties of metals. In the medical field, yttrium-90 is employed in targeted radiotherapy, specifically for certain types of cancer. Other applications include the use of yttrium in catalysts and in the production of specialty glasses and ceramics.

• Yttrium is named after the village of Ytterby in Sweden, which has also given its name to several other chemical elements.
• Despite being classified as a rare earth element, yttrium is relatively abundant compared to other rare earths.
• Yttrium compounds are employed in the production of red phosphors used in color television tubes.
• Yttrium-90 has a half-life of approximately 64 hours, making it useful in medical applications such as targeted cancer treatments.