Ytterbium oxide, also known as ytterbium oxide, has the molecular formula Yb ₂ O æ; Molecular weight: 394.08. The pure product is a colorless powder, and when it contains thulium oxide, it is light brown or yellow. Micro hygroscopicity, easy to absorb water and carbon dioxide from the air, and transform into basic ytterbium carbonate. It is the weakest alkaline element in the yttrium group except for lutetium oxide. Insoluble in water and cold acids, soluble in hot dilute acids. Used to produce special alloys, ceramic dielectrics, industrial luminescent carbon rods, special glass, and catalysts.