Studies on the Thermal Decomposition of Rare Earth Caproates

The thermal decomposition of rare earth caproates with general formula Ln(C₅H₁₁COO)₃ nH₂O, (where Ln=Y, La-Pr, n=l; Ln=Nd-Er, n=2; Ln=Tm-Lu, n=3) were studied in an air atmosphere. On heating, the hydrated caproates are dehydrated in one step and then the anhydrous complexes decompose to the oxides (Ln₂O₃, Pr₆O₁₁) with formation of the intermediate Ln₂O₂CO₃ (La, Pr-Gd) or directly to the oxides Ln₂O₃, CeO₂, Tb₄O₇(Y, Ce, Tb-Lu). Caproates of rare earth elements are liquefied during dehydration.