Gadolinium (Gd)
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- Belongs to the group of lanthanoids (rare earth elements).
- Exhibits paramagnetic properties and has one of the highest capabilities for absorbing thermal neutrons.
Applications:
- Medicine: In complex compounds (contrast agents for MRI); gadolinium complexes enhance tissue visualization.
- Nuclear Energy: Used as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors (e.g., in fuel rods) to regulate or stop the chain reaction.
- Alloys: Occasionally added to alloys to improve magnetic and mechanical properties.
Description
Chemical Symbol: Gd
Periodic Table Position: 64th element (part of the lanthanoid group or "rare earth metals")
Main Characteristics
- Appearance: Silvery-white metal.
- Physical Properties: Density ~7.9 g/cm³, melting point ~1313°C.
- Magnetic Properties: Exhibits very high magnetic characteristics; ferromagnetic at low temperatures.
- Chemical Reactivity: Oxidizes in air, forming a dull oxide film.
Key Applications
- Medicine:
- Contrast Agents: Certain gadolinium salts (e.g., gadolinium-DTPA) are used as contrast agents in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
- Radiotherapy: Gadolinium compounds are being studied for potential use in radiation therapy.
- Nuclear Energy:
- Neutron Absorber: Gadolinium has one of the highest thermal neutron absorption cross-sections, used in nuclear reactor control rods.
- Alloys:
- Enhances the mechanical and magnetic properties of alloys when added to other metals (e.g., iron, chromium).
- Magnetic Refrigeration Systems:
- Gadolinium's strong magnetocaloric properties make it useful in magnetic cooling technology.
Interesting Facts
- Named after Finnish chemist and geologist Johan Gadolin.
- Has one of the highest paramagnetic susceptibilities of any element at room temperature.
