Lanthanum Fluoride, Lanthanum (III) Fluoride, 13709-38-1

LANTHANUM FLUORIDE 

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

2.1. Molecular Structure

Lanthanum fluoride is the fluoride salt of lanthanum. Lanthanum ions (La³⁺) and fluoride ions (F⁻) are present in a 1:3 ratio. The compound has a hexagonal crystal structure (tysonite type) and is characterized by its high thermal stability, low solubility in water, and excellent optical properties.

Structural Features:

                    LANTHANUM FLUORIDE (LaF₃)
                          |
                La³⁺ - F⁻ Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Hexagonal         High Thermal       Low Solubility
    Structure         Stability          in Water

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

Reaction with Acid:

LaF₃ + 3HCl → LaCl₃ + 3HF (slow, limited)

Reaction with Sulfuric Acid:

2LaF₃ + 3H₂SO₄ → La₂(SO₄)₃ + 6HF

High Temperature Decomposition:

2LaF₃ + H₂O → La₂O₃ + 6HF (at very high temperatures)

6. APPLICATION AREAS

6.1. Optical Glass and Crystals

6.2. Scintillators and Radiation Detection

6.3. Ceramics

6.4. Metallurgy

6.5. Thin Film Coatings

6.6. Other Applications

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Raw Materials

Lanthanum fluoride is produced from lanthanum compounds:

7.2. Production Process Flow

Lanthanum Oxide (La₂O₃) or Lanthanum Carbonate
         ↓
Reaction with Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
         ↓
LaF₃ Precipitation
         ↓
Filtration → Washing (to remove impurities)
         ↓
Drying (under controlled conditions)
         ↓
Optional: Calcination (high temperature)
         ↓
LaF₃ Powder
         ↓
Milling → Classification → Packaging

7.3. Process Stages

8. ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS COMPARISON

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

10. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

11. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

12. FIRST AID MEASURES

13. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

14. PACKAGING OPTIONS

15. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

16. REGULATORY STATUS

17. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

• Lanthanum(III) Fluoride

• Lanthanum Fluoride

• LaF₃

• Rare Earth Fluoride

• Fluoride Form Lanthanum Salt

• Optical Grade Lanthanum Fluoride

• Lanthanum Trifluoride

18. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

19. CRITICAL NOTICES AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL NOTICES:

1. Optical Quality: High purity lanthanum fluoride is essential for optical applications. Impurities can affect transparency and optical performance.

2. Low Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, making it suitable for applications requiring low solubility and moisture resistance.

3. Excellent Thermal Stability: Stable up to its melting point (~1493°C), suitable for high-temperature applications.

4. Radiation Resistance: Excellent radiation resistance, making it ideal for scintillator and radiation detection applications.

5. Reaction with Acids: Reacts with acids to release hydrogen fluoride (HF), which is toxic and corrosive.

6. Skin and Eye Irritation: Causes skin and eye irritation. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

7. High Refractive Index: High refractive index makes it valuable for optical applications.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Storage:

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

• Use sealed, moisture-proof containers

• Keep away from acids

• Store at room temperature (15-25°C)

Handling:

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Use dust mask, protective goggles, and gloves

• Avoid dust formation

• Wash hands after handling

• Reseal container after use

Waste Management:

• Dispose in accordance with local regulations

• Do not discharge into water bodies

• Consider rare earth recovery for large quantities

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 fluoride is a specialty material; appropriate precautions must be taken during handling, especially for optical and electronic applications.