Investigation of 5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of La(III), Gd(III) and Lu(III) Complexes

5-Chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of La(III), Gd(III) and Lu(III) were synthesized as penta-, mono- and tetrahydrates with a metal to ligand ratio of 1:3 and with white colour typical of La(III), Gd(III) and Lu(III) ions. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and FIR spectra, thermogravimetric and diffractometric studies. The carboxylate group appears to be a symmetrical, bidentate, chelating ligand. The complexes are polycrystalline compounds. Their thermal stabilities were studied in air and inert atmospheres. When heated they dehydrate to form anhydrous salts which next in air are decomposed through oxychlorides to the oxides of the respective metals while in inert atmosphere to the mixture of oxides, oxychlorides of lanthanides and carbon. The most thermally stable in air, nitrogen and argon atmospheres is 5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoate of Gd(III). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.