LANTHANIDES

Definition :
lanthanides are the series of elements comprises of 15 metallic elements with atomic
numbers from 57 to 71 from lanthanum to lutetium.
 Lanthanides have general electronic configuration of 4f, so they are called 4f elements as
they have incompletely filled 4f sunshells.
 Lanthanum is however a d block element with an electronic configuration of 5d1, 6s2.
ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION
 LANTHANIDES CONTRACTION

 The atomic and ionic size usually decreases from left to right across a period. This is due to
increase in nuclear charge which pulls the orbital electrons closer to the nucleus.
 The gradual decrease in size with increase in atomic number is called lanthanide contraction.
 CONSEQUENSES OF LANTHANIDE CONTRACTION:
 Atomic size
 Difficulty in the separation of lanthanides
 Effect on basic the strength of hydroxides
 Complex formation
 OXIDATION STATES

 Lanthanides shows variable oxidation states . They show +2, +3, and +4
oxidation states.
 But the most stable oxidation state is +3. Elements in other oxidation states try to
lose electrons to gain +3 oxidation state by that those ions become strong
oxidising and reducing agents .
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF
LANTHANIDES:

 Lanthanides are relatively soft metals but hardness increases with increase in atomic number.
 Lanthanides have high melting and boiling points.
 Magnetic Properties:
Materials are classified by the interaction between two field :
1. Paramagnetic if attracted
2. Dimagnetic if repelled
 Continue….

 Lanthanides are electropositive in nature due to unpaired electrons. Hence lu+2, Yb+2, Ce+4 are
dimagnetic but all other lanthanides are Paramagnetic.
 They are strong reducing agents so they have great tedency to lose electrons to undergo oxidation.
 FORMATION OF COLOURED IONS:
lanthanides ions have electrons in f orbital and also empty
orbital like d block elements. When the frequency of light absrbed the light transmit exhibits a colour.
 Thus f-f electrons transition produces visible colour.
 APPLICATIONS OF
LANTHANIDES

 METALLURGICAL APPLICATIONS :
lanthanide elements are used as reducing agents in
metallurgical applications. For example, Misch elements ( Ce 30 to 35% )
 CERAMIC APPLICATIONS :
Ceramic III and IV oxides are used in glass polishing powders.
Where Nd and Pr are used in colouring glass.
 CATALYTIC APPLICATIONS :
Some lanthanide compounds like cerium phosphate is used in petroleum
cracking as catalyst.
 ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS:
The ferromagnetic garnets are used in microwave
devices.
 NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS:
lanthanides and some of their compounds are used in
nuclear control devices , shielding devices and fluxing devices.
 Oxides of lanthanides are used in flourescent materials.