Lanthanum(III) chloride

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Lanthanum(III) chloride
Image:Lanthanum chloride.jpg
General
Other names lanthanum trichloride
Molecular formula LaCl3
Molar mass 245.26 g/mol
Appearance white odorless powder
CAS number [10099-58-8]
Properties
Density and phase 3.84 g/cm3, solid
Solubility in water very soluble
Melting point 860.0°C
Boiling point 1000.0°C
Hazards
EU classification not listed
NFPA 704
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Lanthanum chloride (LaCl3) is a chemical compound. It is used as a mild Lewis acid to perform chemical reactions that usually require acidic conditions, such as converting aldehydes to acetals, under nearly neutral conditions.

The lanthanide ions are 9 coordinate in the trichloride.


The compound has been identified as a catalyst for the high pressure oxidative chlorination of methane to chloromethane with hydrochloric acid and oxygen [1]. Interestingly in this process the +3 oxidation state of lanthanum remains unchanged.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Methyl Chloride Production from Methane over Lanthanum-Based CatalystsSimon G. Podkolzin, Eric E. Stangland, Mark E. Jones, Elvira Peringer, and Johannes A. Lercher J. Am. Chem. Soc.; 2007; 129(9) pp 2569 - 2576; (Article) DOI:10.1021/ja066913w