Chemical Properties
hexagonal prisms; decomposes at white heat; refractive index 1.564 (20°C) [HAW93] [MER06]
Physical properties
White hexagonal crystals; density 2.82 g/cm
3; slightly soluble in cold water, solubility decreasing with temperature; insoluble in ethanol; dehydrates in the air at 400°C.
Uses
Lanthanum sulfate is used to prepare many lanthanum compounds.
Preparation
Lanthanum sulfate is prepared by dissolving lanthanum oxide, hydroxide or carbonate in sulfuric acid, followed by crystallization.
La
2O
3 + 3H
2SO
4 → La
2(SO
4)
3 + H
2O
La
2(CO
3)
3 + 3H
2SO
4 → La
2(SO
4)
3 + 3CO
2 + 3H
2O
.
