Neodymium: Properties, Uses, Reactivity

Neodymium is an inorganic element on the modern periodic table. It is symbolized as Nd and has an atomic number of 60. As per the modern periodic table, Neodymium can be considered as an inner transition element wherein the differentiating electron is seen to enter into the (n-2) f-subshell. Most essentially, it is considered to be a highly dense metal with an atomic mass of 144.242 u. It is generally found in the group of Lanthanides on the modern periodic table and is often referred to as a rare earth metal.

Keyterms: Modern Periodic table, electron, D &f block elements, Inner transition element, Lanthanides

---

What is Neodymium?

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Neodymium is known to be the second most abundant of the rare-earth elements, as per the modern periodic table. It is an inorganic element that belongs in the group of lanthanides. It is an inner transition metal where the differentiating electron enters the (n-2) f-subshell. It was first discovered by Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1885.

Neodymium

Apparently, it is seen to compose a separate block referred to as the f-block in the modern periodic table. This element, in general, cannot be found in its metallic appearance as much as other lanthanides. It is usually refined for further usage. It is symbolized as Nd and has an atomic number of 60.

Neodymium

Usually, the group of lanthanides are referred to as rare earth metals. However, the distribution of it is quite naturally as common as other metals, such as, cobalt, copper, magnesium, etc., and is also broadly dispersed in the earth’s crust. The general electronic configuration of Neodymium is [Xe] 4f⁴6s².

Lanthanides

Also Read:

---

Chemical Properties of Neodymium

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

1. Neodymium belongs in the group of Lanthanides and has an atomic number of 60. It can be considered as an inner transition element wherein the differentiating electron is seen to enter into the (n-2) f-subshell. 
2. The boiling points of Neodymium are: 3074°C, 5565°F, 3347 K. The melting points of it are 1016°C, 1861°F, 1289 K.
3. Most importantly, the key isotope of the metal is 142Nd.
4. The relative atomic mass that is generally found in Neodymium is 144.242 u.
5. Neodymium is generally found in the state at about 20°C. 
6. The density of the metal is 7.01 g cm⁻³.
7. The oxidation states of Neodymium are +0, +2, +3, +4 respectively, as per the configuration.
8. The crystal structure of the element is usually a closely packed Double hexagonal structure.

Chemical Properties of Neodymium

---

Physical Properties of Neodymium

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

1. Neodymium is usually highly reactive in air and is seen to tarnish as soon as it is exposed to it.
2. It is the 60th element on the periodic table that is extremely lustrous and has a shiny yellow appearance if seen visually.
3. The main sources that are found to originate from lanthanide elements are the minerals monazite and bastnaesite that are extracted by several techniques like ion exchange and solvent extraction. 
4. Neodymium is seen to naturally occur in its metallic form, but is yet rarely found in the earth’s crust with a concentration of almost 18%.
5. This element has almost five naturally existing isotopes in the earth’s crust. However, the one that is found in abundance is the isotope 142 Nd that has a composition of about 27.2%. Every other isotope it has is mainly synthetic in nature.
    

6. In general, it is seen to exist in the form of different compounds like halides, sulfides, hydroxides, and more. 

---

Reactivity of Neodymium

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

1. Neodymium is generally a highly electropositive element that is also highly reactive in nature.
2. Since the element is highly reactive in air, it is found to tarnish as soon as exposed to air. It consequently contributes to the fading of the silver-white luster of the element.
3. The element is known to react with hydrogen to form non-stoichiometric hydrides.
4. For liberating hydrogen, it dissolves readily in warm water.

---

Complex Formation of Neodymium

[Click Here for Sample Questions]

Since Neodymium belongs from the Lanthanide group, it is generally seen to form complexes with chelating ligands. However, the element does not comprise the capability of forming complexes with pi-bonding ligands due to its high electropositive nature. 

Complex Formation of Neodymium

In a nutshell, the chelating ligands, along with which lanthanides are found to form complexes, are usually beta-diketones. Acetylacetone, dibenzoyl methane, thenoyltrifluoroacetone are a few examples out of many others. For instance, [Nd(H₂O)₉] (BrO₃)₃.

---

Things to Remember

1. Neodymium is an inorganic element on the modern periodic table that belongs in the group lanthanides, mainly showing properties of inner transition elements. It is symbolized as Nd and has an atomic number of 60. 
2. This metal has nearly five naturally existing isotopes in the earth’s crust. But, the one isotope that is found in abundance is 142 Nd which has a composition of almost 27.2%. Every other isotope it has is mainly synthetic in nature.
3. The oxidation states of Neodymium are +0, +2, +3, +4 respectively.
4. The chelating ligands with which lanthanides are found to form complexes are usually beta-diketones. Acetylacetone, dibenzoyl methane, thenoyltrifluoroacetone are a few examples out of many others. 

Also Read:

---