TbF3

TbF3, or terbium(III) fluoride, is an inorganic compound consisting of terbium in the +3 oxidation state and fluoride ions. It forms a white to pale yellow crystalline solid and is largely insoluble in water. Like other rare-earth fluorides, TbF3 is relatively stable in air, but it should be handled with care because fluoride compounds can be hazardous.

In terms of structure, TbF3 belongs to the family of rare-earth trifluorides, which typically exhibit a robust fluoride lattice with terbium ions coordinated by surrounding fluoride ions. The compound crystallizes as a stable solid under ambient conditions and can be prepared in pure form for laboratory and industrial use.

TbF3 is usually prepared by high-temperature fluorination of terbium-containing sources. Common routes include fluorination of terbium oxide (Tb2O3) with fluorine gas or fluorinating derivatives such as terbium chloride with hydrogen fluoride. Direct fluorination of terbium metal with fluorine gas is another established method. These routes yield high-purity TbF3 suitable for further synthesis.

Applications of TbF3 are mainly as a precursor or source of Tb3+ ions for the preparation of terbium-doped materials. Such materials are important in phosphor and laser research, particularly for green emission in display and lighting technologies, and as hosts in fluoride-based optical materials. Safety considerations focus on the toxicity and corrosiveness of fluoride compounds; TbF3 should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and procedures to prevent inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.