Praseodymium
| Symbol | Pr |
| Atomic Number | 59 |
| Atomic Mass | 140.91 g.mol -1 |
| Discovered by | Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1885 |
What is Praseodymium?
Praseodymium metal is a soft, silvery, ductile and malleable element present in the periodic table with atomic number 59 and symbol Pr.
Table of Contents
- Chemical Properties of Praseodymium
- About Praseodymium
- Uses of Praseodymium
- Properties of Praseodymium
- Effects Of Praseodymium
Chemical Properties of Praseodymium
| Group | Lanthanides | Melting point | 931°C, 1708°F, 1204 K |
| Period | 6 | Boiling point | 3520°C, 6368°F, 3793 K |
| Block | f | Density (g cm−3) | 6.77 |
| Atomic number | 59 | Relative atomic mass | 140.908 |
| State at 20°C | Solid | Key isotopes | 141Pr |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f3 6s2 | CAS number | 7440-10-0 |
| ChemSpider ID | 22384 | ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database. | |
About Praseodymium
- Praseodymium element was first discovered by a German chemist named Carl F. Auer von Welsbach, in 1885. This element was separated from neodymium, from another material called didymium.
- Today, the metal praseodymium is mainly obtained from the process of ion exchange through monazite sand, which is a precious earth element.
- It is rarely found in the earth’s crust if so, is only found at about 8.7 parts/million by weight and comes among the lists of lanthanides.
Uses of Praseodymium
- It is used in aircraft engines in the form of alloying agents and for the purpose of creating high field strengths.
- The alloys of the metal such as the pyrophoric alloy are used in the lighter flints which are used to light cigarettes.
- The carbon electrodes used in the arc lightning lamps make use of the oxides of Praseodymium.
- It is also used as a catalyst in the polishing of glass.
- It is utilized in the permanent magnets present in wind turbines and motors.
- It is also used in the manufacture of welders and glass bowlers.
Properties of Praseodymium
- The element tends to form a black coating in the presence of air. Like other metals, Praseodymium does not get oxidized or does not possess a corrosion-resistant feature.
- In the reaction with water, the metal forms praseodymium hydroxide giving out hydrogen gas. The metal usually exists in its trivalent state, Pr3+, in the compound form. The salts of this substance appear a pale green colour.
Effects Of Praseodymium
- Praseodymium gets accumulated in the soil and also water. This increases the concentration of lead in humans, soil particles, and animals. It also damages the cell membranes and also has bad influences on reproduction. It also affects the nervous system in humans.
- The salts of this metal are highly toxic in nature and can cause many severe disorders such as skin and eye irritation.
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