Lanthanide contraction : The regular decrease in size of lanthanide the ions from La³⁺ to Lu³⁺ is called as lanthanide contraction. It is because of greater effect of the increased nuclear charge than that of the screening effect.

Consequences of lanthanide contraction

(a) It results in the slight variation in their chemical properties which helps in their separation by ion exchange

(b) Every element beyond lanthanum has same atomic radius as that of the element lying above it in the group (for example Zr 145 pm, Hf 144 pm); Nb 134 pm, Ta 134 pm ; Mo 129 pm, W 130 pm).

(c) The covalent character of the hydroxides of lanthanides increases as the size decreases from La³⁺ to Lu³⁺. However basic strength decreases. Thus La(OH)₃ is most basic whereas Lu(OH)₃ is least basic. Likewise, the basicity of oxides also decreases in the order from La³⁺ to Lu³⁺.

(d) Tendency to form stable complexes from La³⁺ to Lu³⁺ increases as the size decreases in that order.

(e) There is a small increase in electronegativity of the trivalent ions from La to Lu.

(f) Since the radius of Yb³⁺ ion (86 pm) is comparable to the heavier lanthanides Tb, Dy, Ho and Er, therefore they occur together in natural minerals.

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