Lanthanides are the fourteen elements existing after lanthanum. In these elements, the electrons are progressively  filled in the 4f orbitals.
Periodic Table
The physical and chemical behaviour of lanthanides can be explained on the basis of their electronic configuration.
Element (Symbol)
Atomic Number
Electronic Configuration
Lanthanum (La)
57
5d16s2
Cerium(Ce)
58
4f26s2
Praseodymium (Pr)
59
4f36s2
Neodymum (Nd)
60
4f46s2
Promethium (Pm)
61
4f56s2
Samarium (Sm)
62
4f66s2
Europium(Eu)
63
4f76s2
Gadolinium(Gd)
64
4f15d16s2
Terbium(Tb)
65
4f96s2
Dysprosium(Dy)
66
4f106s2
Holmium(Ho)
67
4f116s2
Erbium(Er)
68
4f126s2
Thulium(Tm)
69
4f136s2
Ytterbium(Yb)
70
4f146s2
Lutetium(Lu)
71
4f145d16s2
The most characteristic oxidation state of the lanthanides is +3. Some exhibit +2 and +4 oxidation state also.
o Example of Actinides               o Lanthanides vs Actinides
The lanthanides are dense metals with high melting points. These metals forms alloy easily with other metals, especially with iron.
Previous Post Next Post