Solution enthalpies of hydrates LnCl3·xH2O (Ln=Ce–Lu)

Trichlorides of the lanthanide elements Ln=Ce–Lu form: (a) isotypic hexahydrates LnCl₃·6H₂O with a coordination number (CN) 8 for the Ln³⁺ ions. (b) Two isotypic groups of trihydrates LnCl₃·3H₂O, in the first group Ln=Ce-Dy the CN is 8; the structure of the second group Ln=Er–Lu is unknown. With Ho no trihydrate exists; a dihydrate is formed. (c) Two isotypic groups of monohydrates LnCl₃·H₂O with unknown structure – Ln=Ce–Dy and Ln=Ho–Lu. For all compounds and for anhydrous chlorides LnCl₃ solution enthalpies were measured with an isoperibolic calorimeter. The Δ_solH⁰ values do not depend only on the difference (lattice enthalpies/hydration enthalpies), but also on the state in solution. According to Spedding the CN of the Ln³⁺ ions against water changes from 9 to 8 between Nd and Sm, causing minima in the series of solution enthalpies. Dihydrates LnCl₃·2H₂O are found for Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm and presumably for Eu and Gd. They are not yet well characterised.