- Definition of Gd
Gd or Gadolinium is a chemical element belonging to the rare metal group in the periodic table, with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. The English name for Gd is Gadolinium. Gd has an atomic mass of 157.25 and it belongs to the lanthanides. The ion structure of Gd is usually Gd3+.
- Properties: Gd
2.1 Physical properties of Gd
Gadolinium is solid at room temperature, has a silver-white color and does not have a specific smell. The PH level of Gd is not defined because it is a metal, not a solution.
2.2 Chemical properties of Gd
Gadolinium is very easy to burn in the air to form gadolinium (III) oxide. It also reacts with water, but very slowly. Gadolinium shows its metal properties when reacting with acids to produce hydrogen and gadolinium salts.
- Common chemical equations of Gd
Metal reaction: Gd + 3H2O -> Gd(OH)3 + 3/2H2
Acid reaction: 2Gd + 6HCl -> 2GdCl3 + 3H2
- Preparation of Gd
The preparation of Gadolinium requires a complex process and is usually carried out in professional laboratories. A common method includes heating gadolinium(III) oxide with aluminum or silicon in an electric furnace under very low pressure. The reaction produces gadolinium and the oxides of aluminum or silicon.