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Lanthanum

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Identification
Molecular formula
La
CAS number
7439-91-0
IUPAC name
lanthanum
State
State

Lanthanum is a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
920.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 193.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
3 464.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 737.00
General information
Molecular weight
138.91g/mol
Molar mass
138.9050g/mol
Density
6.1625g/cm3
Appearence

Lanthanum is a silvery white metallic element that is soft and malleable. It tarnishes rapidly when exposed to air and is usually found in a slightly oxidized form when it is in open air. Freshly cut samples of lanthanum, however, exhibit a brilliant metallic luster.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lanthanum Compounds

Lanthanum, denoted as La, is a member of the lanthanide series in the periodic table and typically occurs in various compounds rather than as a free element. When considering the solubility of lanthanum compounds, it's important to note the following key aspects:

  • Lanthanum(III) Oxide (La3+O2-): This compound is notably insoluble in water, making it a stable substance under normal conditions.
  • Lanthanum(III) Chloride (LaCl3): In contrast, LaCl3 is highly soluble in water, forming aqueous solutions that are useful in various chemical applications.
  • Lanthanum(III) Nitrate (La(NO3)3): Similar to LaCl3, this compound is also soluble in water, presenting a favorable solubility profile for lab and industrial purposes.

In terms of the general rules of solubility:

  • Compounds containing alkali metals and nitrates tend to be soluble.
  • Many lanthanide hydroxides and phosphates, however, exhibit low solubility in water.

The solubility behavior of lanthanum compounds can be influenced by factors such as pH and temperature. As a rule of thumb, the higher the temperature, the more likely certain compounds will dissolve, though this is not universal.

In conclusion, the solubility of lanthanum compounds ranges widely based on their chemical structure, with some being readily soluble while others remain largely insoluble, demonstrating the fascinating complexity of lanthanide chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Lanthanum

Lanthanum is a fascinating element that belongs to the rare earth metals group, often overlooked in the world of chemistry but full of unique properties and applications. Here are some noteworthy facts about this remarkable element:

  • Atomic Identity: Lanthanum is denoted by the atomic number 57 and is symbolized as La in the periodic table.
  • Scintillation and Lighting: Lanthanum plays a crucial role in modern lighting technology, especially in phosphors used for fluorescent and LED lights. These phosphors help in producing bright and vibrant colors.
  • Key Role in Catalysts: This element is a vital component in catalytic converters for vehicles, significantly contributing to reduction in harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances.
  • Photography and Glass: Lanthanum is utilized in the manufacture of high-quality optical glasses, enhancing the performance of lenses in cameras, microscopes, and telescopes.
  • Malleability: Lanthanum possesses excellent malleability which allows it to be shaped and formed easily—a property that proves beneficial in various industrial applications.
  • Rare Earth Association: Despite its name, lanthanum is relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust compared to other rare earth elements, but it is still classified as a rare earth metal due to the complexities of its extraction and refining.

Fun Fact: Lanthanum was first discovered in 1839 by Swedish chemist Johan Gadolin, and its name is derived from the Greek word "lanthanein," meaning "to lie hidden." This hints at its historical near invisibility in chemical literature before it was successfully isolated.

Lanthanum, with its multifaceted uses and properties, continues to be an essential element in advancing technology and industry, making it a subject of interest for both chemists and environmental scientists alike.

Synonyms
LANTHANUM
7439-91-0
DTXSID0064676
CHEBI:33336
6I3K30563S
UNII-6I3K30563S
EINECS 231-099-0
Lanthanum Metallicum
EC 231-099-0
DTXCID8047638
231-099-0
La
lantano
lanthane
Lanthan
lanthanum(2+)
Lanthanum, (ingot)
MFCD00011066
57La
Lanthanum ion(2 )
Lanthanum - La @ 1000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
Lanthanum, ion (La2 )
Lanthanum Standard: La @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Lanthanum Standard: La @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Lanthanum Standard: La @ 5000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
lanthanum atom
Lanthanum ingot
Lanthanum pieces
Lanthanum, pieces
lanthanum(2+) ion
Lanthanum foil, 3N
lanthanum(II) cation
Lanthanum powder, 3N
Lanthanum chips, 2N6
LANTHANUM [MI]
LANTHANUM [VANDF]
CHEBI:37317
La(2+)
HAA43991
AKOS024438058
Lanthanum rod, 12.7mm (0.5in) dia
Lanthanum rod, 6.35mm (0.25in) dia
Lanthanum foil, 1.0mm (0.04in) thick
Lanthanum foil, 0.1mm (0.004in) thick
NS00075675
Contains 1% La (from lanthanum oxide) in 2% HCl
Lanthanum - La @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
Contains 1% La (from lanthanum oxide) in 5% HNO3
Lanthanum, rod, 50mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Q26841224
Q27117102
Lanthanum sputtering target, 50.8mm dia x 3.18mm thick
Lanthanum, rod, 100mm, diameter 6.35mm, cast, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.1mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 35x47mm, thickness 0.5mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.1mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum Chloride Releasing Agent: 1% La (from oxide) in 2% HCl
Lanthanum Nitrate Releasing Agent: 1% La (from oxide) in 5% HNO3
Lanthanum, foil, 100x100mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 100x100mm, thickness 0.1mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 25x25mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, 50x50mm, thickness 0.125mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 100 g, purity 99%
Lanthanum, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 20 g, purity 99%
Lanthanum, lump, 25 mm max. lump size, weight 50 g, purity 99%
Lanthanum, foil, not light tested, 100x100mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, not light tested, 25x25mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, foil, not light tested, 50x50mm, thickness 0.025mm, as rolled, 99%
Lanthanum, powder, 400 max. part. size (micron), weight 25 g, purity 99.9%
Lanthanum, powder, 400 max. part. size (micron), weight 50 g, purity 99.9%