Question

What is the action of the following on lanthanoids?
a. water
b. Sulphur, heat
c. nitrogen, heat

Answer 1

1. Action of water on lanthanoids: Reaction of water with lanthanoids gives ionic and basic lanthanide hydroxides (Ln(OH)₃) with liberation of H₂ gas.
   Ln + 3H₂O → Ln(OH)₃ + 3H₂
2. Action of sulphur on lanthanoids: Heating of sulphur with
   lanthanoids gives lanthanide sulphide (Ln₂S₃).
   \[\ce{2Ln + 3S  ->[\Delta] Ln2S3}\]
3. Action of nitrogen on lanthanoids: Reaction of nitrogen with lanthanoide gives lanthanide nitride (LnN).
   \[\ce{2Ln + N2 ->[\Delta] 2LnN}\]