Ytterbium

Ytterbium metal dissolves readily in dilute sulphuric acid, forming the colourless aquated Yb(III) ion and hydrogen gas, H₂. Yb³⁺(aq) is expected to be mostly the complex ion [Yb(H₂O)₉]³⁺.

2 Yb(s) + 3 H₂SO₄(aq) 2 Yb³⁺(aq) + 3 SO₄²⁻(aq) + 3 H₂(g)

Ytterbium metal tarnishes slowly in air and burns readily, forming ytterbium (III) oxide, Yb₂O₃

4 Yb(s) + 3 O₂(g) 2 Yb₂O₃(s)

Ytterbium reacts with all the halogens, forming ytterbium(III) halides.

2 Yb(s) + 3 F₂(g) 2 YbF₃(s) [white]
2 Yb(s) + 3 Cl₂(g) 2 YbCl₃(s) [white]
2 Yb(s) + 3 Br₂(g) 2 YbBr₃(s) [white]
2 Yb(s) + 3 I₂(g) 2 YbI₃(s) [white]

Ytterbium reacts slowly with cold water and quickly with hot water, forming ytterbium hydroxide, Yb(OH)₃, and hydrogen gas (H₂).

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