Chlorides

Lanthanum chloride is the inorganic compound with the formula LaCl₃. It is a common salt of lanthanum which is mainly used in research. It is a white solid that is highly soluble in water and alcohols. Hydrate or anhydrous forms may be purchased. Chloride compounds can conduct electricity when fused or dissolved in water.

In organic synthesis, lanthanum chloride anhydrous functions as a mild Lewis acid for converting aldehydes to acetals. The compound has been identified as a catalyst for the high pressure oxidative chlorination of methane to chloromethane with hydrochloric acid and oxygen.

Lanthanum Chloride Anhydrous: Chloride materials can be decomposed by electrolysis to chlorine gas and the metal. They are formed through various chlorination processes whereby at least one chlorine anion (Cl-) is covalently bonded to the relevant metal or cation. Ultra high purity and proprietary formulations can be prepared. The chloride ion controls fluid equilibrium and pH levels in metabolic systems. They can form either inorganic or organic compounds.

One application of lanthanum chloride anhydrous is the removal of phosphate from solutions via precipitation, e.g. in swimming pools to prevent algae growth and other wastewater treatments. It has also shown use as a filter aid and an effective flocculent

Lanthanum Chloride Anhydrous is also used in biochemical research to block the activity of divalent cation channels, mainly calcium channels. Doped with cerium, it is used as a scintillator material.