Yttrium - Source, Properties and Uses

In the field of chemistry, the periodic table consists of several bizarre yet fascinating elements. Today we will learn about such components called y elements in the periodic table. The chart includes the account of each element known to us on this planet. It numbers up to one hundred and eighteen elements in total. The chart divides into seven periods and eighteen groups with two separate rows for lanthanoids and actinoids. Each group represents the elements with similar properties to one another. It is the most genius and concise way yet to organize all the items. If you look carefully into group three and period five, you will notice a y element. So let us find the answer to what is y in the Periodic table? We are going to study this element in detail. 

Yttrium Element

So to answer the question, what is the Y element in the Periodic table? The Y is the symbol of an element in the periodic table known as the yttrium. Otherwise, it also falls into the category of rare earth elements. It has an atomic number of 39 and a standard atomic weight of 88.905. The element has a metallic silvery-white appearance, and it is very much similar to lanthanides. More often than not, we find yttrium in combination with lanthanides. It is also one of the elements in the category of transition elements, along with some essential elements like iron and silver. We can never find them as free elements in nature; instead, they are present in the form of stable isotopes. It is the only isotope in the earth’s crust with stability. We use yttrium in several industries and products such as superconductors, lasers, electrodes, television displays etc.  

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Yttrium first came into being after a scientist named carl axel Arrhenius gave proof of its existence in 1787. During his exploration of a quarry in a small town called Ytterby, Sweden, he came across a black rock. He then gave the sample to a chemist named Johan Gadolin for analysis thinking of a new mineral. Gadolin extracted the yttrium from the sample, and hence the scientists went on naming this mineral yttrium after the name of the town. In the 18th century, one scientist named Carl Gustaf further went on examining the mineral and uncovered three oxides.  These oxides are erbia, terbia, and yttria commonly known as today yttrium oxide, terbium oxide, and erbium oxide today. Even after an early discovery in the 18th century, it was not until the last few decades since its widespread use in several fields. Not after knowing what is y in the Periodic table? Let’s write the yttrium electron configuration.

What is Yttrium?

Yttrium is a very rare chemical substance, discovered by Johan Gadolin in the year 1794. It is a d-block element with an atomic number 39, which is present in the 3rd group and 5th period in the periodic table. Recently until the primary component of television sets, in cathode ray tubes yttrium was used. Most of the yttrium is concentrated in the solar system in a giant red star named Mira.

Chemical Properties of Yttrium

Yttrium Electron Configuration

We all know that the atomic number of yttrium is 39. It has trivalency, i.e. its valency is three. Now let us write its yttrium electron configuration. 

1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶3d¹⁰4s²4p⁶4d¹.

Generally, yttrium electronic configuration is

Kr

Kr4d¹5s².

Yttrium commonly has an oxidation state of +3 since it gives three valence electrons. Furthermore, it forms several compounds such as oxalate, hydroxide, and fluoride that are insoluble in water. And compounds such as chloride, sulfate, bromide etc. have high solubility in water. Since its d and f shells have a shortage of electrons the yttrium ion is colourless. 

Sources of Yttrium

Yttrium is a  chemical element that occurs in almost all of the rare-earth minerals. By analyzing the lunar rock samples obtained during the Apollo missions shows that it has relatively high yttrium content.

From monazite sand it was recovered for a commercial purpose, which has around 3% Yttrium, and from bastnasite, which contains about 0.2% yttrium. 

In 1828, Wohler by reduction of the anhydrous chloride with potassium obtained the impure element. The metal at present is produced commercially by reduction of the fluoride with calcium metal. It can also be prepared by using other techniques.

Uses of Yttrium

• Yttrium can be used in the production of synthetic garments and yttrium iron garments.

• It is used to manufacture infrared layers.

• Yttrium can be used as a solid electrolyte and can also be used as an oxygen sensor in automobile exhaust systems.

• It is used in the manufacturing of superconductors.

• It is helpful to cure many cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and bone cancers.

Properties of Yttrium

Since we know that yttrium is a rare earth element, it is also a precious metal with a metallic silver appearance. The element is soft and falls under the category of high crystalline metals. Its electronegativity is less relative to the elements above it in the group. Also, the elements that are below yttrium have more electronegativity. It appears in the d-block and 5th group of the periodic table. Besides being a unique element, it forms both soluble and insoluble compounds.

• Yttrium is a soft silvery metal that has less electronegativity.

• Yttrium is a very rare metal that cannot be found easily.

• It cannot be found as a free element in the Earth’s crust but it can be often found in combination with lanthanide and also found in uranium ores.