Abstract
The thermal behaviour of yttrium(III) isovalerate (Y(C4H9CO2)(3)) was studied in argon by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, FTIR-spectroscopy, hot-stage optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction with a laboratory Cu-tube source as well as with a synchrotron radiation source. Two structural transitions take place in the solid state at 100 degrees C and 140 degrees C. They are followed by the decomposition of the isovalerate salt with release of gaseous products consisting of CO2 and 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone and formation of Y2O2CO3 between 320 degrees C and 440 degrees C. Above 440 degrees C, Y2O2CO3 is slowly converted to Y2O3 with release of CO2. The decomposition is complete at about 900 degrees C. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.