Scandium nitrate, Sc(NO3)3, crystallises from a neutral aqueous solution as colourless, deliquescent, prismatic crystals of the tetrahydrate, Sc(NO3)3.4H2O, soluble in alcohol. The tetrahydrate becomes pasty and anhydrous at 100°. Basic salts of the formulae Sc2O3.2N2O5.3H2O and Sc2O3.2N2O5 have also been described (Crookes).
The nitrate is readily decomposed by heat with the production of basic scandium nitrates, and finally of scandia. |