The processes involved in the thermal decomposition of yttrium acetate tetrahydrate,Y(CH(3)COO)(3)center dot 4H(2)O, in air and in an inert atmosphere have been analyzed by thermoanalytical techniques (thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis and evolved gas analysis) and by the structural characterization (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy) of intermediates and final products. Decomposition of yttrium acetate is an endothermic transformation that takes place in a temperature range between 350 and 900 degrees C. The evolution of the mass during the decomposition process is not affected by the presence of oxygen. The process is initiated by the rupture of the bond between the metallic cation and the acetate ligand. This initial step (350-450 degrees C) involves the formation of amorphous yttrium hydroxide and yttrium carbonate and is characterized by a fast mass loss rate. A sudden decrease of the mass loss rate indicates a change in the decomposition kinetics that continues with the decomposition of yttrium hydroxide and yttrium carbonate. The main effect of an oxygen atmosphere is an intense exothermic process due to the combustion of organic species in the gas phase. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.