Synthesis and thermal decomposition of scandium hydrogenphosphite Sc2(HPO3)3

Simultaneous constant-rate thermogravimetry–difference thermal analysis (TG–DTA) and thermogravimetry–mass spectrometry (TG–MS) of scandium hydrogenphosphite Sc2(HPIIIO3)3 (space group P63/m) were conducted under inert conditions in flowing argon up to 1300 °C. The first significant mass loss step detected between 700 °C and 800 °C is mainly caused by the release of hydrogen resulting in the formation of optical transparent, red nano crystalline agglomerates. Further heating leads to disproportionation into phosphorus vapor and phosphates, namely ScPVO4 (space group I41/amd) and Sc(PVO3)3 (space group Cc).