Lanthanum acetylacetonate is a coordination molecule with the chemical formula La(C5H7O2)3, also known as La(acac)3. It is a chemical compound made up of lanthanum (La) and acetylacetonate ligands (acac). Its instability constants (logYn) are 3.65, 5.13, and 6.12 (corresponding to n=1, 2, 3). Lanthanum alkoxide and acetylacetone can be used to make it.
Its tetrahydrate decomposes into monohydrate at 110 °C, anhydrous form at 150 °C, La(CH3COO)(acac)2 and La(CH3COO)2(acac), and lanthanum acetate at 180 285 °C. It can be used to make NaLaS2, La2Zr2O7, and other materials. It belongs to the class of metal acetylacetonate complexes and is frequently utilized in materials science and chemical research.
Properties
- Molecular Weight: The molar mass is approximately 435.15 g/mol.
- Appearance: It is typically a white or off-white, crystalline powder. It may appear as a fine solid or in the form of small crystals.
- Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water but is soluble in various organic solvents, including acetone, chloroform, and some other organic solvents.
- Melting Point: It has a melting point in the range of approximately 230-260°C (446-500°F), depending on the specific crystalline form.
- Stability: It is generally stable under normal laboratory conditions. However, it may decompose at higher temperatures.
Applications
Lanthanum acetylacetonate is frequently employed as a precursor in the manufacture of numerous lanthanide oxide and mixed metal oxide compounds, as are other metal acetylacetonates. These materials may find use in catalysis, luminous materials, and other fields of materials science and chemistry. The coordination of the acetylacetonate ligands to the lanthanum ion gives the complex stability, making it helpful in a variety of chemical processes.
It is frequently used as a precursor in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) procedures to manufacture lanthanum-containing thin films for a variety of applications, including electronics and optics.
Safety
Lanthanum acetylacetonate, like many other lanthanide compounds, should be handled with caution. To avoid dust inhalation and skin contact, safety precautions should be performed. It should be utilized in a well-ventilated laboratory environment with proper personal protection equipment.
