LANTHANUM METAL

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter	Information
Product Name	Lanthanum Metal
Chemical Name	Lanthanum, Elemental Lanthanum
Other Names	La metal, Lanthanum element, Pure Lanthanum
CAS Number	7439-91-0
Chemical Formula	La
Atomic Number	57
Atomic Weight	138.90547 g/mol
Appearance	Silvery-white, soft metal
Physical State (20°C)	Solid (metal)

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Atomic Structure

Lanthanum is the first element of the lanthanide series (rare earth elements). It has an electron configuration of [Xe] 5d¹ 6s² and exhibits a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) crystal structure at room temperature. As a lanthanide, it displays characteristic trivalent oxidation state (La³⁺) in most of its compounds.

Atomic Properties:

Property	Value
Electron Configuration	[Xe] 5d¹ 6s²
Oxidation States	+3 (most common), +2
Electronegativity (Pauling)	1.10
Ionization Energy (1st)	538.1 kJ/mol
Ionization Energy (2nd)	1067 kJ/mol
Ionization Energy (3rd)	1850 kJ/mol
Atomic Radius	187 pm
Ionic Radius (La³⁺)	103.2 pm

2.2. Crystal Structure

Parameter	Value
Crystal System	Hexagonal (at room temperature)
Crystal Structure	Double hexagonal close-packed (DHCP)
Lattice Parameters	a = 3.770 Å, c = 12.159 Å
Space Group	P6₃/mmc
Coordination Number	12
Allotropic Transformation	310°C: DHCP → FCC
Magnetic Ordering	Paramagnetic (above 4 K)

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

3.1. Physical Properties

Property	Value	Description
Appearance	Silvery-white, soft, ductile metal	-
Atomic Number	57	-
Atomic Weight	138.90547 g/mol	-
Density	6.162 g/cm³ (at 20°C)	-
Melting Point	920 °C	-
Boiling Point	3464 °C	-
Hardness (Mohs)	2.5	Soft metal
Electrical Conductivity	Moderate	1.3 × 10⁶ S/m
Thermal Conductivity	13.4 W/(m·K)	-
Specific Heat Capacity	195 J/(kg·K)	-
Heat of Fusion	6.20 kJ/mol	-
Heat of Vaporization	400 kJ/mol	-
Magnetic Susceptibility	Paramagnetic	χ_m = +1.14 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol
Vickers Hardness	350 MPa	-

3.2. Chemical Properties

Property	Description
Oxidation State	+3 (most stable)
Reaction with Air	Oxidizes slowly; forms La₂O₃ protective layer
Reaction with Water	Reacts slowly with cold water; rapidly with hot water
Reaction with Acids	Dissolves readily in dilute acids
Reaction with Halogens	Reacts with all halogens at elevated temperatures
Reaction with Hydrogen	Forms lanthanum hydride (LaH₂/LaH₃)
Reaction with Nitrogen	Forms lanthanum nitride at high temperatures
Corrosion Resistance	Moderate; surface oxide layer provides protection

3.3. Chemical Reactions

Oxidation in Air:

4La + 3O₂ → 2La₂O₃

Reaction with Water:

2La + 6H₂O → 2La(OH)₃ + 3H₂↑ (slow)

Reaction with Hydrochloric Acid:

2La + 6HCl → 2LaCl₃ + 3H₂↑

Reaction with Hydrogen:

La + H₂ → LaH₂ (at 300°C)
LaH₂ + 0.5H₂ → LaH₃ (at 400°C)

Reaction with Nitrogen:

2La + N₂ → 2LaN

4. PURITY GRADES

Parameter	Industrial Grade	High Purity Grade	Ultra High Purity Grade
Purity	≥ 99.0%	≥ 99.9%	≥ 99.99%
La Content	≥ 99.0%	≥ 99.9%	≥ 99.99%
Oxygen (O)	≤ 0.5%	≤ 0.05%	≤ 0.01%
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.1%	≤ 0.02%	≤ 0.005%
Iron (Fe)	≤ 0.2%	≤ 0.02%	≤ 0.005%
Calcium (Ca)	≤ 0.1%	≤ 0.01%	≤ 0.001%
Silicon (Si)	≤ 0.1%	≤ 0.02%	≤ 0.005%
Nitrogen (N)	≤ 0.05%	≤ 0.01%	≤ 0.001%
Other Rare Earths	≤ 1.0%	≤ 0.1%	≤ 0.01%

5. FORMS AND AVAILABILITY

Form	Description	Typical Purity
Lumps / Chunks	Irregular pieces	99.0-99.9%
Powder	Fine metal powder	99.0-99.9%
Foils / Sheets	Thin metal sheets	99.0-99.9%
Rod / Wire	Cylindrical forms	99.0-99.9%
Granules	Small spherical particles	99.0-99.9%
Distilled	High purity distilled metal	≥ 99.99%
Sputtering Targets	For thin film deposition	99.0-99.99%

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Battery Technology (NiMH Batteries)

Application	Function	Details
NiMH Batteries	Hydrogen storage alloy	Lanthanum-nickel alloy (LaNi₅) used in hybrid electric vehicle batteries
Electrode Material	Negative electrode	Mischmetal (rare earth mixture) containing lanthanum
Energy Storage	Hydrogen absorption	Absorbs and releases hydrogen reversibly

6.2. Hydrogen Storage

Application	Function	Details
Metal Hydrides	Hydrogen storage	LaNi₅ absorbs hydrogen to form LaNi₅H₆
Hydrogen Fuel Cells	Storage medium	Hydrogen absorption/desorption cycles
Energy Storage Systems	Hydrogen storage	Alternative to high-pressure tanks

6.3. Optical Glass and Optics

Application	Function	Details
Optical Glass	Refractive index enhancer	High refractive index glass for lenses
Camera Lenses	Optical quality	Reduces chromatic aberration
Specialty Glass	UV absorption	Absorbs ultraviolet light
Infrared Optics	IR transmission	Used in IR absorbing glasses

6.4. Catalyst Applications

Application	Function	Details
Petroleum Refining	Catalyst support	Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts
Automotive Catalysts	Three-way catalyst	Oxygen storage component
Chemical Synthesis	Catalyst additive	Various chemical reactions

6.5. Metallurgy and Alloys

Application	Function	Details
Aluminum Alloys	Grain refinement	Improves casting quality
Iron Casting	Nodularization	Helps form nodular graphite
Magnesium Alloys	Alloying element	Increases corrosion resistance
Ferroalloys	Alloy additive	Improves mechanical properties

6.6. Ceramics and Electronics

Application	Function	Details
Ceramic Capacitors	Dielectric material	Barium titanate doping
Electronic Ceramics	Dopant	Improves electrical properties
Superconductors	Component	YBCO superconductors
Phosphors	Emission material	Lighting and displays

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Ore Source

Lanthanum is extracted from rare earth ores such as:

Ore Type	Lanthanum Content	Main Locations
Monazite	10-30% of REE content	Australia, Brazil, India, China
Bastnäsite	20-30% of REE content	China, USA (Mountain Pass), Vietnam
Xenotime	5-10% of REE content	China, Malaysia, Australia

7.2. Production Process Flow

Ore → Crushing/Grinding → Acid/Base Digestion → Leaching
         ↓
Solvent Extraction (Separation of REEs)
         ↓
Lanthanum Concentration (La₂O₃)
         ↓
Reduction (Ca or Li with La₂O₃)
         ↓
Vacuum Distillation (Purification)
         ↓
Melting/Casting → Packaging (Inert Gas)

7.3. Process Stages

Stage	Description
1. Ore Digestion	Ore is crushed and digested with acid (H₂SO₄ or HCl) or base (NaOH) to extract rare earth elements
2. Solvent Extraction	Lanthanum is separated from other rare earth elements using solvent extraction techniques
3. Concentration	Lanthanum is concentrated as lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) or lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃)
4. Reduction	Lanthanum oxide is reduced to metal using calcium or lithium (La₂O₃ + 3Ca → 2La + 3CaO)
5. Purification	Vacuum distillation or electrolytic refining for high purity
6. Fabrication	Melting, casting, and fabrication into desired forms
7. Packaging	Packaged under inert gas (argon) to prevent oxidation

8. ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS COMPARISON

Application Area	Alternative Materials	Notes
Batteries	Praseodymium, Neodymium	Provide stronger magnetic effects
Hydrogen Storage	Titanium, Magnesium alloys	Lighter but less capacity
Glass Additive	Cerium, Yttrium	Different color and brightness effects
Catalyst Support	Zirconium, Alumina	Higher temperature resistance
Alloy Additive	Cerium, Mischmetal	Similar properties, lower cost

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Parameter	Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat)	> 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity)
Dermal Toxicity	Low
Skin Irritation	Mechanical irritant
Eye Irritation	Mechanical irritant
Inhalation	Dust may cause respiratory irritation
Carcinogenicity	Not classified as a carcinogen
Mutagenicity	Not mutagenic
Chronic Effects	May cause liver and lung effects at high doses
Environmental Hazards	Moderate toxicity to aquatic life

10. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Parameter	Information
Handling Precautions	Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid dust formation. Use personal protective equipment.
Storage Conditions	Store in inert gas (argon) environment. Keep in sealed containers. Avoid exposure to air and moisture.
Reactivity	Reacts with air, water, acids, halogens, and many non-metals
Incompatible Materials	Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, water
Hazardous Decomposition Products	Lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), hydrogen gas (with water)

11. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class	Category	H-Statement
Flammable Solid	Category 2	H228: Flammable solid
Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases	Category 2	H261: In contact with water releases flammable gas
Skin Irritation	Category 2	H315: Causes skin irritation
Eye Irritation	Category 2	H319: Causes serious eye irritation
Specific Target Organ Toxicity	Category 3	H335: May cause respiratory irritation

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

12. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code	Statement
P210	Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. No smoking
P233	Keep container tightly closed
P261	Avoid breathing dust
P264	Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P280	Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P302+P352	IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P305+P351+P338	IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present
P337+P313	If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention
P370+P378	In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or Class D fire extinguisher
P402+P404	Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container
P501	Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations

12. ALL LANTHANUM DERIVATIVES - CHEMICAL FORM, CAS AND APPLICATION TABLE

No.	Derivative Name	Chemical Formula	CAS Number	Description / Application Area
1	Lanthanum Metal	La	7439-91-0	Pure metal form, battery and alloy applications
2	Lanthanum Oxide	La₂O₃	1312-81-8	White powder, glass, ceramics, catalysts
3	Lanthanum Carbonate	La₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O	54451-24-0	Phosphate binder, medical and ceramic use
4	Lanthanum Nitrate	La(NO₃)₃·6H₂O	10277-43-7	Water-soluble crystal, glass and laboratory
5	Lanthanum Sulfate	La₂(SO₄)₃	10099-60-2	Water-soluble powder, pigment and catalyst
6	Lanthanum Chloride	LaCl₃·7H₂O	10025-84-0	Intermediate, solution form, laboratory use
7	Lanthanum Acetate	La(CH₃COO)₃	917-70-4	Organic synthesis and coating systems
8	Lanthanum Suspension	La₂O₃ dispersion	—	Nanoform, coating and electronic applications
9	Lanthanum Hydroxide	La(OH)₃	14507-19-8	Ceramic and catalyst precursor, basic solutions
10	Lanthanum Fluoride	LaF₃	13709-38-1	Optical glass, laser crystals, fluorinated coatings
11	Lanthanum Bromide	LaBr₃	13536-79-3	Scintillation detectors, nuclear applications
12	Lanthanum Iodide	LaI₃	13813-38-4	Halogen lamps, optoelectronics

13. NOTES ON DERIVATIVES

Items 1-7	Most common commercially available forms with established import/export activity
Items 8-12	Primarily used in specialty applications (nuclear, optical, nano)
Suspension/Dispersion	Usually manufacturer-specific; may not have a CAS number assigned

14. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property	Value
CAS Number	7439-91-0
Chemical Formula	La
Atomic Number	57
Atomic Weight	138.90547 g/mol
Appearance	Silvery-white, soft metal
Density	6.162 g/cm³
Melting Point	920 °C
Boiling Point	3464 °C
Crystal Structure	Hexagonal (DHCP)
Electrical Conductivity	Moderate
Magnetic Property	Paramagnetic
Standard Purity	99.9%
HS Code	2805.30
UN Number	3089 (Metal powder, flammable)
GHS Signal Word	WARNING

15. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

Oxidation Sensitivity: Lanthanum metal oxidizes rapidly in air. Must be stored under inert gas (argon) or in vacuum-sealed containers.
Reaction with Water: Reacts with water to release hydrogen gas, which is explosive. Keep away from moisture and water.
Flammability: Fine powders are pyrophoric and can ignite spontaneously in air.
Reaction with Acids: Dissolves readily in acids, releasing hydrogen gas.
Reactivity with Halogens: Reacts vigorously with all halogens.
Health Hazards: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Chronic exposure may affect liver and lungs.
Environmental Concerns: Moderate toxicity to aquatic life. Should not be released into water bodies.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

Store under inert gas (argon) or in vacuum-sealed containers
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep away from water, moisture, acids, and oxidizers
Use sealed containers to prevent air exposure

Handling:

Use in well-ventilated areas or glove boxes (for fine powders)
Use dust mask, protective goggles, and gloves
Avoid dust formation
Ground all equipment to prevent static discharge
Use inert gas purging when handling fine powders

Waste Management:

Dispose in accordance with local regulations
Avoid release into water bodies
Consider recycling for rare earth recovery

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, waste, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Lanthanum metal is a reactive material; appropriate precautions must be taken during handling.

Lanthanum, Lanthanum Metal, Elemental Lanthanum, 7439-91-0