Abstract

Yttria (Y 2O 3) and lutetia (Lu 2O 3) pretreated in hydrogen above 550 °C become effective catalysts for the ortho-parahydrogen conversion by the magnetic mechanism. The source of activity in each case appears to be the paramagnetic 2+ ion, Y 2+ or Lu 2+. This view is supported by electron spin resonance measurements. The rate of conversion is strongly influenced by a magnetic field of a few oersteds. Over lutetia a field of 40 Oe applied to the catalyst decreases the rate by 42%, and the presence of the Earth's field may readily be demonstrated. Some recent theoretical work is consistent with these magnetocatalytic results.

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