Holmium

Chemical reactions

Reaction of holmium with acids


Holmium dissolves readily in dilute sulphuric acid, forming Ho(III) ions and hydrogen gas, H2. The yellow color of the solution has been suggested to be mostly [Ho(H2O)9]3+

2 Ho(s) + 3 H2SO4(aq) 2 Ho3+(aq) + 3 SO42−(aq) + 3 H2(g)


Reaction of holmium with air


Holmium reacts slowly with O2 at room temperature, and burns readily, forming holmium(III) oxide, Ho2O3.

4 Ho(s) + 3 O2(g) 2 Ho2O3(s)


Reaction of holmium with halogens


Holmium reacts with all the halogens, forming the corresponding holmium(III) halides.

2 Ho(s) + 3 F2(g) 2 HoF3(s) [pink]
2 Ho(s) + 3 Cl2(g) 2 HoCl3(s) [yellow]
2 Ho(s) + 3 Br2(g) 2 HoBr3(s) [yellow]
2 Ho(s) + 3 I2(g) 2 HoI3(s) [yellow]


Reaction of holmium with water


Holmium reacts slowly with cold water, forming holmium hydroxide, Ho(OH)3, and hydrogen gas (H2).

2 Ho(s) + 6 H2O(g) 2 Ho(OH)3(aq) + 3 H2(g)