Thermal decomposition of light lanthanide diglycolates

The conditions of thermal decomposition of La, Ce(III), Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd diglycolates have been studied. On heating, the diglycolates of Ce(III), Pr, Eu and Gd lose crystallization water and yield anhydrous salts, which are then transformed into oxides. The diglycolates of La, Nd and Sm are decomposed in three stages. First, the diglycolates undergo dehydration to form the anhydrous salts, which are next decomposed to Ln₂O₂CO₃. In the last step the thermal decomposition of Ln₂O₂CO₃ to Ln₂O₃ takes place, accompanied by an endothermic effect.