Predict the formula of dysprosium(III) chloride hexahydrate.
Dy3+ with three Cl- plus lattice water: DyCl3·6H2O — the yellow-tinged salt from which most dysprosium chemistry starts.
What Is the Charge of Dysprosium?
Dysprosium commonly forms Dy3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Dysprosium is Dy3+ in its compounds — Dy2O3, DyCl3 — with no practically relevant alternatives. Its name means 'hard to get at,' which described its 1886 isolation, not its charge chemistry, which is the standard lanthanide +3.
| Element | Dysprosium |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Dy |
| Atomic number | 66 |
| Common ionic charge | +3 |
| Common ions | Dy3+ |
Visual reference
Dysprosium element image and atomic model
Images are used as visual references; charge rules still depend on the compound.
The electron story behind Dysprosium's charge
Dysprosium is [Xe]4f10 6s2, and three electrons out gives Dy3+ (f9) — high in unpaired spins, second only to holmium in ionic magnetism. No nearby empty, half, or full f-shell milestone tempts it toward +2 or +4.
This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.
The assumption that trips people up on Dysprosium
Overlooking why magnet makers fret about dysprosium specifically. It is added to NdFeB magnets (as neutral atoms) so electric-vehicle motors keep their magnetism when hot; supply concentration made it a headline 'critical material.' The chemistry is boring +3 — the geopolitics is not.
Worked example: Dy in a formula problem
Dy3+ in real compounds
DyCl3
Dysprosium chloride
Dy3+ balances chloride ions.
Dy2O3
Dysprosium oxide
Dysprosium can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
Questions students ask about dysprosium
How much dysprosium is in an EV motor magnet?
Several percent by weight substituted onto neodymium sites — enough that a single EV can carry ~100 g. Same 3+ ionic radius family makes the substitution effortless.
What does Dy3+ do in halide headlamps?
Metal-halide stadium and film lights add DyI3; in the arc, dysprosium atoms emit a dense forest of spectral lines that fills out daylight-like white.
Is Dy3+ used in MRI research like gadolinium?
Its even higher magnetic moment attracts interest for specialized contrast, but Gd3+'s slower-relaxing f7 arrangement suits standard MRI better. A reminder that magnetism has flavors — total moment isn't the only spec.
How do I use this charge in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero — or let the ionic compound calculator do the crossing for you. The full chart lives on the periodic table with charges.
Where this data comes from
Charges and element facts on this page are checked against the primary references below. Found an error? Email hello@periodictablewithcharges.com — corrections ship in the next content update. See how this site is edited.