What is lanthanide contraction? What effect does it have on the chemis

1.	What is lanthanide contraction? What effect does it have on the chemistry of the elements, which follow lanthanoids?
Answer» The size of Lanthanoids and its trivalent ion decreases from La to Lu. It is known as lanthanoids contraction. Cause: It is due to poor shielding of 4f electrons. Consequences of lanthanide contraction: (i) Basic strength of hydroxide decreases from La(OH)₃ TO Lu(OH)₃. (ii) Because of similar chemical properties lanthanides are difficult to separate.

What is lanthanide contraction? What effect does it have on the chemistry of the elements, which follow lanthanoids?

Answer»

The size of Lanthanoids and its trivalent ion decreases from La to Lu. It is known as lanthanoids contraction.

Cause: It is due to poor shielding of 4f electrons. Consequences of lanthanide contraction:

(i) Basic strength of hydroxide decreases from La(OH)₃ TO Lu(OH)₃.

(ii) Because of similar chemical properties lanthanides are difficult to separate.