Dysprosium

Dysprosium (pronounced /dɪsˈproʊziəm/) is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It has a very high melting temperature of 1,407°C. It can also absorb neutrons. This makes it very suitable for use with nuclear reactors and lasers.

Characteristics

Dysprosium is a rare earth element that has a metallic, bright silver luster.

History

Dysprosium was first identified in Paris in 1886 by French chemist Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran.

Compounds

• Fluorides: DyF₃
• Chlorides: DyCl₂, DyCl₃
• Bromides: DyBr₂, DyBr₃
• Iodides: DyI₂, DyI₃
• Oxides: Dy₂O₃
• Sulfides: Dy₂S₃
• Nitrides: DyN

Other websites

• WebElements.com – Dysprosium
• Los Alamos National Laboratory – Dysprosium