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Give reasons for the following.
Give reasons for the following: La(OH)₃ is more basic than Lu(OH)₃.
Give reasons for the following:
$\text{La(OH)}_3$ is more basic than $\text{Lu(OH)}_3$.
Answer
Answer
Because 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.