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Give reasons for the following.
Give reasons for the following: is more basic than .
Give reasons for the following:
$\text{La(OH)}_3$ is more basic than $\text{Lu(OH)}_3$.
Answer
Answer
AIBecause of the lanthanoid contraction, the size of $\mathrm{Lu^{3+}}$ is much smaller than that of $\mathrm{La^{3+}}$, so the $\mathrm{Lu-OH}$ bond is more covalent and $\mathrm{Lu(OH)_3}$ releases $\mathrm{OH^-}$ less readily, making it less basic.
From ISC 2023 Chemistry Paper 1, question 11(i).