Lanthanum(III) nitrate hydrate
[CAS# 100587-94-8]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal nitrates and nitrites
• Name: Lanthanum(III) nitrate hydrate
• Molecular Formula: H₂LaN₃O₁₀
• Molecular Weight: 342.94
• CAS Registry Number: 100587-94-8
• EC Number: 683-072-1
• SMILES: [N+](=O)([O-])[O-].[N+](=O)([O-])[O-].[N+](=O)([O-])[O-].O.[La+3]

Properties

• Melting Point: 40 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS03;GHS07 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H272-H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P210-P220-P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Oxidising solids	Ox. Sol.	2	H272
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319

Discovory and Applicatios

Lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate, with the chemical formula La(NO3)3�xH2O, is a widely used rare earth nitrate compound. The compound is readily soluble in water, hygroscopic, and plays a key role in various scientific and industrial fields. Lanthanum (atomic number 57) was discovered by Carl Gustav Mosander in 1839. Lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate, the nitrate form of lanthanum, became a noteworthy compound in the early 20th century with the development of rare earth chemistry. This compound usually appears as a white crystalline solid and is characterized by its high solubility in water and its ability to absorb and retain moisture from the environment.

Lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate consists of lanthanum ions (La�?) and nitrate ions (NO3?) coordinated with water molecules. The presence of these water molecules (hydrate form) depends on the specific preparation and storage conditions of the compound. This hydration significantly affects its reactivity and application, as water molecules can participate in or promote various chemical reactions.

Lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate is widely used to prepare catalysts for various chemical reactions. It is a precursor for the synthesis of catalysts and is valuable in processes such as petroleum refining and automotive catalytic converters. These catalysts convert harmful emissions into less toxic substances, which helps protect the environment.

In materials science, lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate is used to synthesize lanthanum-based ceramics and materials. These materials exhibit unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties and can be used to develop advanced technologies, including high-performance batteries, superconductors, and optical devices.

The compound is also a key ingredient in the production of luminescent materials. Lanthanum-based phosphors made using lanthanum nitrate are indispensable materials for various display technologies, such as cathode ray tubes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These materials improve the brightness and efficiency of modern display systems.

In analytical chemistry, lanthanum (III) nitrate hydrate is used to prepare reagents for qualitative and quantitative analysis. It serves as a standard reference material in spectroscopic techniques, including atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These techniques are essential for the detection and measurement of trace elements in various samples to ensure the accuracy of environmental monitoring, clinical diagnosis, and quality control processes.

The current study explores new applications of lanthanum(III) nitrate hydrate in fields such as biomedicine and nanotechnology. Its potential use in developing contrast agents for medical imaging and in making nanomaterials for drug delivery systems demonstrates its adaptability and importance in cutting-edge scientific research.

References

Gamal A. H. Mekhemer. Surface structure and acid�base properties of lanthanum oxide dispersed on silica and alumina catalysts, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2002, 4, 5400.