Yb3

Yb3 refers to the triply charged cation of the element ytterbium, denoted Yb3+. Ytterbium is a lanthanide with atomic number 70. In the neutral atom the electron configuration is [Xe]4f14 6s2; removing three electrons yields Yb3+ with a 4f13 configuration. The ion is a hard, highly charged species that forms stable aquated complexes in water, such as [Yb(H2O)9]3+.

In solution and in compounds, Yb3+ acts as a hard Lewis acid and binds strongly to ligands that donate oxygen or fluoride. It forms salts such as YbCl3, Yb(NO3)3, and Yb2(SO4)3. Yb3+ is the most stable oxidation state for ytterbium in typical chemical environments; the +2 state is rare and observed only under unusual reducing conditions.

Yb3+-based materials are important in optics and photonics. Ions of Yb3+ are used as active centers in laser crystals and glass fibers, notably in Yb:YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) and related hosts, emitting near 1,030–1,060 nm when pumped. Yb3+ dopants also feature in certain upconversion and luminescence materials, and in some catalytic systems, with compounds such as ytterbium triflate, Yb(OTf)3, acting as Lewis acids in organic synthesis.

Occurrence and production: ytterbium is a rare-earth element found in minerals such as xenotime and euxenite. It is extracted and separated from other lanthanides through standard rare-earth processing, including solvent extraction and ion-exchange methods.

Safety: Yb3+ salts are of relatively low acute toxicity but should be handled with normal laboratory precautions.