About Lanthanum
Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander discovered lanthanum during experiments on an impure sample of cerium nitrate in 1839.
Like most of the rare-earth elements, lanthanum is used in small amounts to alter key properties of other materials. Lanthanum oxide is added to glass to impart increased resistance to alkalis, strength, a high refractive index and low dispersion, and can be used to make infrared-absorbing glass. Lanthanum is also an essential component of ZBLAN glass, which exhibits superior transmittance of infrared light and is used in fiber-optic communication systems. These glasses are used in specialized optical applications such as telescope lenses. Lanthanum-doped ceramic materials are used as both anodes and cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells. Adding small quantities of lanthanum to steel improves its malleability, ductility, and resistance to impact, while the addition of lanthanum to molybdenum decreases its hardness and sensitivity to variations in temperature.
Many rare earth compounds have the ability to produce light in response to absorbing energy from an external source. The first commercial use of lanthanum exploited this property for the production of gas lantern mantles, but unfortunately those mantles produced green-tinged light and were not very successful. Their creator Carl Auer von Welsbach found more success with a cerium-containing mantle several years later. Lanthanum is also a component of mischmetal, an alloy used for lighter flints. Today, lanthanum phosphors like lanthanum fluoride are used in fluorescent lamps, and cerium-doped lanthanum bromide and chloride scintillators serve as radiation detectors by producing light when they absorb ionizing radiation.
Some other properties of lanthanum are exploited in a variety of applications. Many lanthanum compounds can be induced to emit electrons when treated with heat in a process called thermionic emission. Lanthanum boride crystals are used as electron emission sources for electron microscopes and ion thrusters used in spacecraft. The thermionic emission of electrons of lanthanum compounds is also exploited in carbon arc lamps, in which lanthanum compounds are sometimes components of one of the electrodes. Lanthanum also binds phosphates in solution. Some water treatment products use this property to remove the free phosphates that feed algae, while the drug lanthanum carbonate uses it to absorb excess phosphate in the blood of patients in end-stage kidney failure. Lanthanum catalysts are widely used in the industrial process of refining petroleum for fuel. Additionally, lanthanum catalysts are being investigated for use in many other processes, including photocatalytic hydrogen production and production of syngas from methane.
Lanthanum is often a component of hydrogen sponge alloys--metals that can absorb and store up to 400 times their own volume of hydrogen gas. These alloys are most commonly used as the negative electrode of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries with high storage capacity and are important for the development of green technologies such as electric vehicles.
Many lanthanum-containing thin film compositions have been investigated in the search for high-k gate dielectrics for use in integrated circuits. Silicon dioxide gate dielectrics have been standard for decades, but the industry has reached the limit of thinness for silicon layers that can serve as an effective gate, and the development of alternate materials could theoretically allow for further miniaturization of microelectronics.
Lanthanum is a light rare earth most commonly obtained by processing the rare earth minerals monazite and bastnasite.
Products
Lanthanum-rich lanthanide compositions have been used extensively for cracking reactions in FCC catalysts, especially to manufacture low-octane fuel for heavy crude oil. It is utilized in green phosphors based on the phosphate (La0.4Ce0.45Tb0.15)PO4. Lanthanide zirconates and lanthanum strontium manganites are used for their catalytic and conductivity properties and lanthanum stabilized zirconia has useful electrical and mechanical properties. Lanthanum's ability to bind with phosphates in water creates numerous uses in water treatment. It is utilized in laser crystals based on the yttrium-lanthanum-fluoride (YLF) composition. Lanthanum metal is predominantly used in the production of mischmetal and steel additives, but is also
important in the production of hydrogen storage alloys for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Lanthanum hydride is made inside of pressure chambers and currently holds the new record for high temperature superconductivity at -23 degrees Celsius, which is about 50 degrees more than the previous record. This property allows electrons to flow through the metal hydride with zero resistance. 
Lanthanum is available as metal and compound forms with purities ranging from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity). Elemental or metallic forms include pellets, rod, wire and granules for evaporation source material purposes. Lanthanum oxides are available in powder and dense pellet form for such uses as optical coating and thin film applications. Oxides tend to be insoluble. Fluorides are another insoluble form for uses in which oxygen is undesirable such as metallurgy, chemical and physical vapor deposition and in some optical coatings. Lanthanum is also available in soluble forms including chlorides, nitrates and acetates. These compounds can be manufactured as solutions at specified stoichiometries.
Lanthanum Properties
Lanthanum is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of lanthanum's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 5d1 6s2. The lanthanum atom has a radius of 187.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 240.pm. 
In its elemental form, CAS 7439-91-0, lanthanum has a silvery white appearance. Lanthanum is the first element in the rare earth or lanthanide series. It is the model for all the other trivalent rare earths and it is the second most abundant of the rare earths after cerium. Lanthanum is found in monazite and bastnasite. Lanthanum was first discovered by Carl Mosander in 1839. The name lanthanum originates from the Greek word Lanthaneia which means 'to lie hidden'.
Health, Safety & Transportation Information for Lanthanum
Lanthanum is somewhat toxic. Safety data for Lanthanum and its compounds can vary widely depending on the form. For potential hazard information, toxicity, and road, sea and air transportation limitations, such as DOT Hazard Class, DOT Number, EU Number, NFPA Health rating and RTECS Class, please see the specific material or compound referenced in the Products tab. The below information applies to elemental (metallic) Lanthanum
| Safety Data | |
|---|---|
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Hazard Statements | H260 |
| Hazard Codes | N/A |
| Risk Codes | N/A |
| Safety Precautions | N/A |
| RTECS Number | N/A |
| Transport Information | UN 3208 4.3/PG 1 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) |
 |
SECTION 1. IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Lanthanum Metal
Product Number: All applicable American Elements product codes, e.g. LA-M-02, LA-M-03, LA-M-04, LA-M-05
CAS #: 7439-91-0
Relevant identified uses of the substance: Scientific research and development
Supplier details:
American Elements
1093 Broxton Ave. Suite 2000
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: +1 310-208-0551
Fax: +1 310-208-0351
Emergency telephone number:
Domestic, North America +1 800-424-9300
International +1 703-527-3887
SECTION 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Classification of the substance or mixture
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
GHS02 Flame
Flam. Sol. 1 H228 Flammable solid.
Water-react. 2 H261 In contact with water releases flammable gas.
Hazards not otherwise classified
No information known.
Label elements
Labelling according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
The substance is classified and labeled according to the CLP regulation.
Hazard pictograms
GHS02
Signal word
Danger
Hazard statements
H228 Flammable solid.
H261 In contact with water releases flammable gas.
Precautionary statements
P210 Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. - No smoking.
P231+P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P370+P378 In case of fire: Use for extinction: CO2, sand, extinguishing powder.
P402+P404 Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/
national/international regulations.
WHMIS classification
B6 - Reactive flammable material
Classification system
HMIS ratings (scale 0-4)
(Hazardous Materials Identification System)
HEALTH
FIRE
REACTIVITY
1
2
3
Health (acute effects) = 1
Flammability = 2
Physical Hazard = 3
Other hazards
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT:
Not applicable.
vPvB:
Not applicable.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Chemical characterization: Substances
CAS# Description:
7439-91-0 Lanthanum
Identification number(s):
EC number:
231-099-0
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Description of first aid measures
After inhalation
Supply fresh air. If required, provide artificial respiration. Keep patient warm.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After skin contact
Immediately wash with water and soap and rinse thoroughly.
Seek immediate medical advice.
After eye contact
Rinse opened eye for several minutes under running water. Then consult a doctor.
After swallowing
Seek medical treatment.
Information for doctor
Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
No further relevant information available.
Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 5. FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing agents
Special powder for metal fires. Do not use water.
For safety reasons unsuitable extinguishing agents
Water
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
If this product is involved in a fire, the following can be released:
Metal oxide fume
Advice for firefighters
Protective equipment:
Wear self-contained respirator.
Wear fully protective impervious suit.
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear protective equipment. Keep unprotected persons away.
Ensure adequate ventilation
Keep away from ignition sources
Environmental precautions:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:
Keep away from ignition sources.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Do not flush with water or aqueous cleansing agents
Prevention of secondary hazards:
Keep away from ignition sources.
Reference to other sections
See Section 7 for information on safe handling
See Section 8 for information on personal protection equipment.
See Section 13 for disposal information.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Precautions for safe handling
Handle under dry protective gas.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry place in tightly closed containers.
Ensure good ventilation at the workplace.
Reacts violently with water
Information about protection against explosions and fires:
Protect against electrostatic charges.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Storage
Requirements to be met by storerooms and receptacles:
Store in a cool location.
Information about storage in one common storage facility:
Do not store together with oxidizing and acidic materials.
Store away from air.
Store away from water/moisture.
Further information about storage conditions:
Store under dry inert gas.
This product is air sensitive.
Keep container tightly sealed.
Store in cool, dry conditions in well sealed containers.
Protect from humidity and water.
Specific end use(s)
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
Additional information about design of technical systems:
Properly operating chemical fume hood designed for hazardous chemicals and
having an average face velocity of at least 100 feet per minute.
Control parameters
Components with limit values that require monitoring at the workplace:
The product does not contain any relevant quantities of materials with critical values that have to be monitored at the workplace.
Additional information:
No data
Exposure controls
Personal protective equipment
General protective and hygienic measures
The usual precautionary measures for handling chemicals should be followed.
Keep away from foodstuffs, beverages and feed.
Remove all soiled and contaminated clothing immediately.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of work.
Maintain an ergonomically appropriate working environment.
Breathing equipment:
Use suitable respirator when high concentrations are present.
Protection of hands:
Impervious gloves
Check protective gloves prior to each use for their proper condition.
The selection of suitable gloves not only depends on the material, but also on quality. Quality will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Penetration time of glove material (in minutes)
Not determined
Eye protection:
Safety glasses
Full face protection
Body protection:
Protective work clothing
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Information on basic physical and chemical properties
General Information
Appearance:
Form: Solid in various forms
Color: Silvery-white
Odor: Not determined
Odor threshold: Not determined.
pH-value: Not applicable.
Change in condition
Melting point/Melting range: 920 °C (1688 °F)
Boiling point/Boiling range: 3464 °C (6267 °F)
Sublimation temperature / start: Not determined
Flammability (solid, gaseous)
Highly flammable.
Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases.
Ignition temperature: Not determined
Decomposition temperature: Not determined
Auto igniting: Not determined.
Danger of explosion: Not determined.
Explosion limits:
Lower: Not determined
Upper: Not determined
Vapor pressure at 3230 °C (5846 °F): 533 hPa (400 mm Hg)
Density at 20 °C (68 °F): 6.17 g/cm³ (51.489 lbs/gal)
Relative density
Not determined.
Vapor density
Not applicable.
Evaporation rate
Not applicable.
Solubility in / Miscibility with Water: Contact with water releases flammable gases
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined.
Viscosity:
dynamic: Not applicable.
kinematic: Not applicable.
Other information
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Thermal decomposition / conditions to be avoided:
Decomposition will not occur if used and stored according to specifications.
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Contact with water releases flammable gases
Conditions to avoid
No further relevant information available.
Incompatible materials:
Air
Oxidizing agents
Water/moisture
Hazardous decomposition products:
Metal oxide fume
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No effects known.
LD/LC50 values that are relevant for classification:
No data
Skin irritation or corrosion:
Powder: irritant effect
Eye irritation or corrosion:
Powder: irritant effect
Sensitization:
No sensitizing effects known.
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No effects known.
Carcinogenicity:
No classification data on carcinogenic properties of this material is available from the EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA or ACGIH.
Reproductive toxicity:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - repeated exposure:
No effects known.
Specific target organ system toxicity - single exposure:
No effects known.
Aspiration hazard:
No effects known.
Subacute to chronic toxicity:
No effects known.
Additional toxicological information:
To the best of our knowledge the acute and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known.
Carcinogenic categories
OSHA-Ca (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
Substance is not listed.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Toxicity
Aquatic toxicity:
No further relevant information available.
Persistence and degradability
No further relevant information available.
Bioaccumulative potential
No further relevant information available.
Mobility in soil
No further relevant information available.
Additional ecological information:
General notes:
Do not allow material to be released to the environment without proper governmental permits.
Do not allow undiluted product or large quantities to reach ground water, water course or sewage system.
Avoid transfer into the environment.
Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT:
Not applicable.
vPvB:
Not applicable.
Other adverse effects
No further relevant information available.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste treatment methods
Recommendation
Consult state, local or national regulations to ensure proper disposal.
Uncleaned packagings:
Recommendation:
Disposal must be made according to official regulations.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN-Number
DOT, IMDG, IATA
UN3208
UN proper shipping name
DOT
Metallic substance, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Lanthanum)
IMDG, IATA
METALLIC SUBSTANCE, WATER-REACTIVE, N.O.S. (Lanthanum)
Transport hazard class(es)
DOT
Class
4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label
4.3
Class
4.3 (W2) Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Label
4.3
IMDG, IATA
Class
4.3 Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
Label
4.3
Packing group
DOT, IMDG, IATA
II
Environmental hazards:
Not applicable.
Special precautions for user
Warning: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.
Transport/Additional information:
DOT
Marine Pollutant (DOT):
No
UN "Model Regulation":
UN3208, Metallic substance, water-reactive, n.o.s. (Lanthanum), 4.3, ll
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
National regulations
All components of this product are listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Control Act Chemical substance Inventory.
All components of this product are listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL).
SARA Section 313 (specific toxic chemical listings)
Substance is not listed.
California Proposition 65
Prop 65 - Chemicals known to cause cancer
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, female
Substance is not listed.
Prop 65 - Developmental toxicity, male
Substance is not listed.
Information about limitation of use:
For use only by technically qualified individuals.
Other regulations, limitations and prohibitive regulations
Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to the REACH Regulations (EC) No. 1907/2006.
Substance is not listed.
The conditions of restrictions according to Article 67 and Annex XVII of the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) for the manufacturing, placing on the market and use must be observed.
Substance is not listed.
Annex XIV of the REACH Regulations (requiring Authorisation for use)
Substance is not listed.
Chemical safety assessment:
A Chemical Safety Assessment has not been carried out.
16. OTHER INFORMATION
Safety Data Sheet according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH). The above information is believed to be correct but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. The information in this document is based on the present state of our knowledge and is applicable to the product with regard to appropriate safety precautions. It does not represent any guarantee of the properties of the product. American Elements shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. See reverse side of invoice or packing slip for additional terms and conditions of sale. COPYRIGHT 1997-2016 AMERICAN ELEMENTS. LICENSED GRANTED TO MAKE UNLIMITED PAPER COPIES FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.
Lanthanum Isotopes
Naturally occurring lanthanum (La) has one stable isotope: 139La.
| Nuclide | Isotopic Mass | Half-Life | Mode of Decay | Nuclear Spin | Magnetic Moment | Binding Energy (MeV) | Natural Abundance (% by atom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 117La | 116.95007(43)# | 23.5(26) ms | ß+ to 117Ba; p to 116Cs | (3/2+,3/2-) | N/A | 927.83 | - |
| 118La | 117.94673(32)# | 200# ms | ß+ to 118Ba | N/A | N/A | 945.23 | - |
| 119La | 118.94099(43)# | 1# s | ß+ to 119Ba | 11/2-# | N/A | 953.31 | - |
| 120La | 119.93807(54)# | 2.8(2) s | ß+ to 120Ba; ß+ + p to 119Cs | N/A | N/A | 970.7 | - |
| 121La | 120.93301(54)# | 5.3(2) s | ß+ to 121Ba; ß+ + p to 120Cs | 11/2-# | N/A | 978.78 | - |
| 122La | 121.93071(32)# | 8.6(5) s | ß+ to 122Ba; ß+ + p to 121Cs | N/A | N/A | 986.86 | - |
| 123La | 122.92624(21)# | 17(3) s | ß+ to 123Ba | 11/2-# | N/A | 1004.25 | - |
| 124La | 123.92457(6) | 29.21(17) s | ß+ to 124Ba | (7-,8-) | N/A | 1012.33 | - |
| 125La | 124.920816(28) | 64.8(12) s | ß+ to 125Ba | (11/2-) | N/A | 1020.41 | - |
| 126La | 125.91951(10) | 54(2) s | ß+ to 126Ba | (5)(+#) | N/A | 1037.81 | - |
| 127La | 126.916375(28) | 5.1(1) min | ß+ to 127Ba | (11/2-) | N/A | 1045.89 | - |
| 128La | 127.91559(6) | 5.18(14) min | ß+ to 128Ba | (5+) | N/A | 1053.96 | - |
| 129La | 128.912693(22) | 11.6(2) min | ß+ to 129Ba | 3/2+ | N/A | 1062.04 | - |
| 130La | 129.912369(28) | 8.7(1) min | ß+ to 130Ba | 3(+) | N/A | 1070.12 | - |
| 131La | 130.91007(3) | 59(2) min | ß+ to 131Ba | 3/2+ | N/A | 1078.2 | - |
| 132La | 131.91010(4) | 4.8(2) h | EC to 132Ba | 2- | N/A | 1086.28 | - |
| 133La | 132.90822(3) | 3.912(8) h | EC to 133Ba | 5/2+ | N/A | 1103.67 | - |
| 134La | 133.908514(21) | 6.45(16) min | EC to 134Ba | 1+ | N/A | 1111.75 | - |
| 135La | 134.906977(11) | 19.5(2) h | EC to 135Ba | 5/2+ | N/A | 1119.83 | - |
| 136La | 135.90764(6) | 9.87(3) min | EC to 136Ba | 1+ | N/A | 1127.91 | - |
| 137La | 136.906494(14) | 6(2)E+4 y | EC to 137Ba | 7/2+ | 2.7 | 1135.99 | - |
| 138La | 137.907112(4) | 1.02(1)E+11 y | ß+ to 138Ba; ß- to 138Ce | 5+ | 3.7139 | 1144.07 | 0.09 |
| 139La | 138.9063533(26) | STABLE | - | 7/2+ | 2.7832 | 1152.15 | 99.91 |
| 140La | 139.9094776(26) | 1.6781(3) d | ß- to 140Ce | 3- | N/A | 1160.22 | - |
| 141La | 140.910962(5) | 3.92(3) h | ß- to 141Ce | (7/2+) | N/A | 1158.99 | - |
| 142La | 141.914079(6) | 91.1(5) min | ß- to 142Ce | 2- | N/A | 1167.07 | - |
| 143La | 142.916063(17) | 14.2(1) min | ß- to 143Ce | (7/2)+ | N/A | 1175.14 | - |
| 144La | 143.91960(5) | 40.8(4) s | ß- to 144Ce | (3-) | N/A | 1183.22 | - |
| 145La | 144.92165(10) | 24.8(20) s | ß- to 145Ce; ß- + n to 144Ce | (5/2+) | N/A | 1181.99 | - |
| 146La | 145.92579(8) | 6.27(10) s | ß- to 146Ce; ß- + n to 146Ce | 2- | N/A | 1190.06 | - |
| 147La | 146.92824(5) | 4.015(8) s | ß- to 147Ce; ß- + n to 146Ce | (5/2+) | N/A | 1198.14 | - |
| 148La | 147.93223(6) | 1.26(8) s | ß- to 148Ce; ß- + n to 147Ce | (2-) | N/A | 1196.91 | - |
| 149La | 148.93473(34)# | 1.05(3) s | ß- to 149Ce; ß- + n to 148Ce | 5/2+# | N/A | 1204.98 | - |
| 150La | 149.93877(43)# | 510(30) ms | ß- to 150Ce; ß- + n to 149Ce | (3+) | N/A | 1213.06 | - |
| 151La | 150.94172(43)# | 300# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 151Ce | 5/2+# | N/A | 1211.82 | - |
| 152La | 151.94625(43)# | 200# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 152Ce | N/A | N/A | 1219.9 | - |
| 153La | 152.94962(64)# | 150# ms [>300 ns] | ß- to 153Ce | 5/2+# | N/A | 1227.98 | - |
| 154La | 153.95450(64)# | 100# ms | ß- to 154Ce | N/A | N/A | 1226.74 | - |
| 155La | 154.95835(86)# | 60# ms | ß- to 155Ce | 5/2+# | N/A | 1234.82 | - |