[Chemistry Class Notes] Lanthanum Pdf for Exam

Electronic Configuration of Lanthanum

Lanthanum, denoted by La, is a chemical element and a rare earth metal present in the Group 3 of the modern periodic table. It is known to be the prototype of the lanthanide series of the elements of the periodic table.

Lanthanum is a malleable and ductile metal, which is silvery-white in colour. It is softer enough that it can be even easily cut through a knife. Lanthanum is known to be the second most reactive rare-earth metals, the first being europium. The lanthanum compound tends to oxidize in the presence of air when kept at a room temperature and forms La₂O₃. It tends to react slowly with water and dissolves faster in the dilute acids, with an exception being the hydrofluoric acid, HF. this is due to the formation of the protective layer of fluoride, LaF₃ on the metal surface.

What is Lanthanum

Lanthanum is a type of a chemical element denoted by the symbol La. The atomic number of lanthanum is 57. It is ductile and soft silvery-white metal which slowly tarnishes when it is exposed to the air. Lanthanum acts as the eponym of the lanthanide series, which is a group of 15 elements similar to one another starting from lanthanum to lutetium in the modern periodic table. Lanthanum lies first in the group and is hence the prototype. 

Lanthanum is regarded traditionally amongst the rare earth metals. It possesses an oxidation state of +3. The element does not show any biological role when it comes to humans, but it is important to a few bacterial species. It does not prove toxic to humans but possesses antimicrobial activity.

Chemical Properties of Lanthanum

Properties of Lanthanum

1. Lanthanum is found abundantly in the environment.

2. It is silvery-white in colour

3. Lanthanum is active, ductile and soft.

4. Lanthanum tends to oxidize when reacted with water and forms its respective hydroxide.

5. The lanthanum salts are not soluble in water.

Uses of Lanthanum

1. Chemical form of lanthanum has its usage in the modern energy-saving lamps, televisions, fluorescent lamps and tubes, etc.

2. Lanthanum is also used in optics in the form of radiation-absorbing glasses and lenses.

3. It also increases the malleability and the resistivity of the steel. 

4. Lanthanum is used to polish glass and to produce catalysts.

5. It is also used in the petroleum refineries for catalysis.

Health-Related Facts of Lanthanum

1. The primary problem associated with the lanthanum element is its disposal by the industries. The industrial wastes get dumped directly into the water bodies, mainly from the petroleum industries.

2. It tends to cause severe damage to both plants and animals and nervous system disorders amongst us humans.