Overview
Lutetium is the heaviest lanthanide with applications in catalysis, medical imaging and high performance materials.
Properties
It commonly forms +3 oxidation state compounds and has dense, refractory metal characteristics among lanthanides.
Occurrence and Uses
Used in petroleum refining catalysts, lutetium based PET radiopharmaceuticals e.g., Lu 177 therapy and materials research.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotope Lu 175 and radioactive Lu 176 exist; some lutetium isotopes are used in medicine and require radiological controls.