Abstract
The thermal decomposition of yttrium(III) hexanoate (Y(C5H11CO2)(3))center dot xH(2)O in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, IR-spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction at a laboratory Cu-tube source and in-situ experiments at a synchrotron radiation source as well as hot-stage optical microscopy. Dehydration occurs between 40 degrees C and 110 degrees C and is accompanied by a transition from solid to liquid crystalline state. At the onset of the main decomposition stage of the anhydrous Y(C5H11CO2)(3), solidification takes place in the 315-335 degrees C range. Y(C5H11CO2)(3) decomposes in a single step into Y2O2CO3 with release of CO2 and 6-undecanone between 280 degrees C and 490 degrees C. A side reaction appears to yield elemental carbon and volatile decane (C10H22)center dot Y2O2CO3 is converted to Y2O3 with release of CO2 between 500 degrees C and 975 degrees C. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.