Thermodynamic and magnetic properties of LaSn3

Thermal expansion coefficient between 77 and 900K, isothermal compressibility in the 0–80 Kbar pressure range, magnetic susceptibility between 77 and 1300 K and heat capacity at constant pressure in the 20–300 K temperature range were determined for the LaSn₃ compound. From the experimental data, the specific heat at constant volume was calculated and the thermal dependence of the Debye's parameter θ_D was obtained. The electron contribution to the heat capacity was also determined from the high temperature data. The magnetic properties confirm that there is no evidence of the existence of a magnetic moment localized on La atoms, in contrast with a previous report and in agreement with the general assumptions. A little anomaly found in the expansion coefficient, in the isothermal compressibility and in the specific heat is discussed in terms of a lattice order-disorder phenomenon.