[awesomelace]

When I transfer a stock solution of samarium(II)diiodide to another flame-dried, argon-filled flask, it reduces within minutes to samarium(III), even with new stir-bars, flasks, syringes and needles.  Could this be due to oxygen in the argon tank?  Thank you for any help you may be able to offer.

[AWK]

samarium(II)diiodide to another flame-dried, argon-filled flask, it reduces within minutes to samarium(III)

[sjb]

samarium(II)diiodide to another flame-dried, argon-filled flask, it reduces within minutes to samarium(III)

Probably means reduce in the sense of to make smaller, or lessen in concentration, not in the "Reakcja redoks" sense.

[AWK]

Quote from: sjb

Probably means reduce in the sense of to make smaller, or lessen in concentration, not in the "Reakcja redoks" sense.

awesomelace
wrote down:

samarium(II)diiodide  ...  reduces ... to samarium(III)

That who works with samarium compounds should distinguish between reduction and oxidation

[Jd1828]

Argon from the tank is normally very dry but you should still use a drying filter in the line just to be sure.  Are you sure you are getting all of the moisture out by flame drying?  When I flame dry flasks it normally takes an hour or so to get them completely dry.