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Lanthanum Oxide, Lanthanum Trioxide, Trioxide, 1312-81-8

Lanthanum Oxide, Lanthanum Trioxide, Trioxide, 1312-81-8

LANTHANUM OXIDE

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Information
Product Name Lanthanum Oxide
Chemical Name Lanthanum(III) Oxide, Lanthanum Trioxide
Other Names Lanthana, La₂O₃, Lanthanum Sesquioxide
CAS Number 1312-81-8
EC Number (EINECS) 215-200-5
Chemical Formula La₂O₃
Molecular Weight 325.82 g/mol
Appearance White, hygroscopic powder
Odor Odorless
Physical State (20°C) Solid (powder)

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Lanthanum oxide is the most stable oxide form of lanthanum. Each lanthanum ion (La³⁺) is surrounded by six oxygen ions (O²⁻), exhibiting a hexagonal crystal structure. This structure is a layered structure where lanthanum ions display ninefold or sevenfold coordination. Lanthanum oxide is known for its hygroscopic properties and readily absorbs moisture from the air to form lanthanum hydroxide (La(OH)₃).

Structural Features:

                    LANTHANUM OXIDE (La₂O₃)
                          |
                La³⁺ - O²⁻ Bonds
                          |
                Hexagonal Crystal Structure
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Layered Structure  High Temperature  Hygroscopic
                    Stability            Property

2.2. Crystal Structure

Parameter Value
Crystal System Hexagonal (at room temperature)
Space Group P3̄m1 (No. 164)
Lattice Parameters a = 3.937 Å, c = 6.131 Å
Unit Cell Volume ~82.3 ų
Molecules per Unit Cell (Z) 1
Coordination Number 6-7 (for La), 4 (for O)
High Temperature Phase Transforms to cubic phase above 1500°C

2.3. Functional Properties

Property Description
Oxidation State La³⁺ (lanthanum +3 oxidation state)
Bond Type Ionic (La-O bonds)
Hygroscopicity High; absorbs moisture from air
Basicity Basic oxide; forms salts with acids
Thermal Stability Excellent; stable up to 2315°C
Dielectric Constant High

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Description
Appearance White, hygroscopic powder -
Odor Odorless -
Molecular Weight 325.82 g/mol -
Density 6.51 g/cm³ (at 25°C) -
Melting Point 2315 °C -
Boiling Point ~4200 °C -
Solubility in Water Insoluble -
Solubility in Acids Soluble (nitric, hydrochloric, sulfuric) -
Solubility in Alkalis Insoluble -
Crystal Structure Hexagonal Stable at room temperature
Hygroscopicity High Absorbs moisture from air
Dielectric Constant ~25 High
Thermal Stability Excellent Up to 2315°C
Specific Surface Area Variable (product dependent; typical 5-50 m²/g) -
pH (suspension) ~9-10 Basic property
Optical Properties High refractive index -

4. PURITY GRADES

Parameter Industrial Grade High Purity Grade Ultra High Purity Grade
Purity ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.9% ≥ 99.99%
La₂O₃ Content ≥ 99.0% ≥ 99.9% ≥ 99.99%
Heavy Metals (as Pb) ≤ 50 ppm ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm
Iron (Fe) ≤ 50 ppm ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm
Calcium (Ca) ≤ 100 ppm ≤ 20 ppm ≤ 10 ppm
Silicon (Si) ≤ 50 ppm ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm
Sodium (Na) ≤ 50 ppm ≤ 10 ppm ≤ 5 ppm
Other Rare Earths ≤ 1.0% ≤ 0.1% ≤ 0.01%
Loss on Drying ≤ 2.0% ≤ 1.0% ≤ 0.5%
Loss on Ignition ≤ 1.0% ≤ 0.5% ≤ 0.2%

5. REACTIVITY AND STABILITY

Parameter Information
Chemical Stability Stable under normal conditions; absorbs moisture from air
Conditions to Avoid High temperature (>2315°C), strong acids
Incompatible Materials Acids, CO₂ (forms carbonate), moisture
Hazardous Decomposition Products Lanthanum hydroxide (La(OH)₃), lanthanum carbonate (La₂(CO₃)₃)
Hazardous Polymerization Will not occur
Hydration Absorbs moisture from air to form La(OH)₃
Carbonation Reacts with CO₂ to form La₂(CO₃)₃

5.1. Chemical Reactions

Reaction with Water (Hydration):

La₂O₃ + 3H₂O → 2La(OH)₃

Reaction with Acid (HCl):

La₂O₃ + 6HCl → 2LaCl₃ + 3H₂O

Reaction with Acid (HNO₃):

La₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2La(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

Reaction with CO₂ (Carbonation):

La₂O₃ + 3CO₂ → La₂(CO₃)₃

6. APPLICATION AREAS

6.1. Optical Glass and Fiber

Application Function Details
Optical Glass Refractive index enhancer High refractive index and low dispersion
Camera Lenses Optical quality Reduces chromatic aberration
Infrared Optics IR transmission In IR absorbing glasses
Laser Glasses Laser medium Doped laser glasses
Glass Hardening Hardness increase Improves surface hardness
UV Resistance UV absorption Absorbs ultraviolet light
Optical Fiber Transmission quality Additive in fiber optics

6.2. Advanced Ceramics

Application Function Details
Structural Ceramics High temperature resistance Provides thermal stability
Dielectric Components Insulation material High dielectric constant
Capacitors Ceramic capacitors Improves electrical properties
Thermal Barrier Heat insulation High temperature applications
Refractory Materials Fire bricks Above 2000°C applications

6.3. Catalyst Systems

Application Function Details
Automotive Catalysts Oxygen storage Three-way catalysts
Petroleum Refining Catalyst support FCC catalysts
Chemical Synthesis Active phase Oxidation and reduction reactions
CO Oxidation Catalytic conversion Emission control
Hydrocarbon Conversion Catalyst Petrochemical processes

6.4. Electronics

Application Function Details
Thin Film Coatings Insulating layer Dielectric layers
Insulating Layers Electrical insulation High resistance layers
Semiconductors Dielectric material High-K dielectric
Capacitors Ceramic capacitors Electronic components
OLED Insulating layer Organic light emitting diodes
Gas Sensors Sensing layer Oxygen and carbon monoxide sensors

6.5. Battery Materials

Application Function Details
NiMH Batteries Electrode additive In lanthanum-nickel alloys
Solid State Electrolytes Ionic conductivity Lithium-ion batteries
Battery Anodes Additive Performance enhancer
Supercapacitors Electrode material Energy storage

6.6. Other Applications

Application Function Details
Pigment White pigment Ceramic paints, coatings
Flame Retardants Additive Polymer applications
Nuclear Absorber Nuclear reactors
Polymer Coatings Filler Durability increase
Laser Materials Laser active medium Doped laser crystals

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Ore Sources

Lanthanum oxide is extracted from rare earth ores:

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 Concentrate (LaCl₃ or La(NO₃)₃)
         ↓
Precipitation (Carbonate / Hydroxide / Oxalate)
         ↓
Calcination (High Temperature, 800-1000°C)
         ↓
La₂O₃ Powder → Packaging (Moisture-Proof)

7.3. Process Stages

Stage Description
1. Ore Digestion Ore is crushed and digested with acid (H₂SO₄ or HCl) or base (NaOH)
2. Solvent Extraction Lanthanum is separated from other rare earth elements
3. Concentration Lanthanum is concentrated as lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃) or lanthanum nitrate (La(NO₃)₃)
4. Precipitation Converted to carbonate, hydroxide, or oxalate form
5. Calcination Heated at high temperature (800-1000°C) to obtain La₂O₃ powder
6. Packaging Packaged in moisture-proof containers due to hygroscopic nature

8. ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS COMPARISON

Application Area Alternative Materials Notes
Optical Glass Cerium Oxide, Yttrium Oxide Different refractive and UV properties
Catalyst Support Alumina, Zirconium Oxide Higher surface area and temperature resistance
Dielectric Titanium Dioxide, Alumina Different dielectric properties
Pigment Additive Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide Changes in opacity and color tone
Ceramics Yttrium Oxide, Cerium Oxide Different thermal and mechanical properties

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 effects at high doses
Environmental Hazards Low toxicity to aquatic life

10. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class Category H-Statement
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: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

11. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code Statement
P261 Avoid breathing dust
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling
P271 Use only in well-ventilated areas
P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water
P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing
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
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations

12. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of Exposure Action to Be Taken
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention
Skin Contact Wash with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses. If irritation persists, seek medical attention
Ingestion Rinse mouth. Drink plenty of water. If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention

13. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Condition
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Container Requirements Moisture-proof, vacuum-sealed containers
Moisture Protection Store with desiccant (silica gel)
Materials to Avoid Acids, CO₂, moisture
Shelf Life 24 months under proper conditions
Stability Note Hygroscopic; absorbs moisture from air to form La(OH)₃

14. PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Vacuum Bag 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg Aluminum foil laminated, moisture-proof
Plastic Drum 25 kg, 50 kg HDPE drum, moisture-proof
Fiber Drum 25 kg, 50 kg PE-lined, moisture-proof
Laboratory Bottle 100 g, 500 g Glass or HDPE, moisture-proof

15. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not applicable (not dangerous goods)
Hazard Class Not applicable
Packing Group Not applicable
ADR/RID Not regulated
IMDG Not regulated
IATA Not regulated

16. REGULATORY STATUS

Region / Authority Status
European Union (REACH) Registered
Turkey (KKDIK) Compliance required
TSCA (USA) Registered
EINECS 215-200-5
HS Code 2846.90

17. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

  • Lanthanum Oxide

  • Lanthanum(III) Oxide

  • Lanthanum Trioxide

  • Lanthanum Sesquioxide

  • La₂O₃

  • Lanthana

  • High Purity Lanthanum Oxide

  • Lanthanum Oxide Powder

18. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property Value
CAS Number 1312-81-8
EC Number 215-200-5
Chemical Formula La₂O₃
Molecular Weight 325.82 g/mol
Appearance White, hygroscopic powder
Density 6.51 g/cm³
Melting Point 2315 °C
Crystal Structure Hexagonal
Water Solubility Insoluble
Acid Solubility Soluble
Purity ≥ 99.99% (high purity)
Hygroscopicity High
Dielectric Constant ~25
HS Code 2846.90
GHS Signal Word WARNING
UN Number Not applicable

19. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

  1. Hygroscopic Property: Lanthanum oxide readily absorbs moisture from the air. Contact with moisture forms lanthanum hydroxide (La(OH)₃) and increases weight. Must be stored in moisture-proof containers.

  2. Reaction with CO₂: Reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form lanthanum carbonate. Should not be left exposed to air for extended periods.

  3. Reaction with Acids: Reacts vigorously with acids. Keep away from acids.

  4. Dust Control: Inhalation of fine powder may cause respiratory irritation. Use dust mask.

  5. High Melting Point: With a melting point of 2315°C, suitable for high temperature applications, but requires appropriate equipment during processing.

  6. Purity Sensitivity: Optical and electronic applications require high purity (>99.99%).

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

  • Store in moisture-proof, vacuum-sealed containers

  • Store with desiccant (silica gel)

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area

  • Keep away from acids and CO₂ sources

Handling:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas

  • Use dust mask, protective goggles, and gloves

  • Avoid dust formation

  • Wash hands after handling

  • Immediately reseal container after use

Waste Management:

  • Dispose in accordance with local regulations

  • Do not discharge 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 oxide is a hygroscopic material; appropriate precautions must be taken during handling.

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