Lanthanum(III) chloride

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

Lanthanum chloride (La Cl₃) 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.

Uses

Lanthanum chloride can be used to remove phosphates in swimming pools, which helps prevent algae growth.

↑ 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