The Complexes of Rare Earth Elements with 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Preparation, properties and thermal decomposition

The conditions of the formation of rare earth(III) 2,5-dihydroxybenzoates have been studied; their compositions and solubilities in water at 293 K have been determined. The IR spectra of the anhydrous complexes with the general formula Ln(C7H5O4)3 have been recorded and their thermal decompositions in static air determined. During heating the anhydrous complexes of Y, Pr-Lu decompose to the oxides Ln2O3, Pr6O11 and Tb4O7 with formation of the intermediate Ln2(C7H4O4)3. The lanthanum complex decomposes to the oxide in three steps forming La2(C7H4O4)3 and La2O2CO3 as intermediates and the Ce(III) complex decomposes directly to CeO2. The properties of rare earth 2,5- and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoates have been compared. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.