Question

Consider the following statements with respect to lanthanides :
1. The basic strength of hydroxides of lanthanides increases from $La(OH{)}_3$ to $Lu(OH{)}_3$.
2. The lanthanide ions $L{u}^{3+}$, $Y{b}^{2+}$ and $C{e}^{4+}$ are diamagnetic.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

• A. $1$ only
• B. $2$ only
• C. Both $1$ and $2$
• D. Neither $1$ nor $2$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Basic strength decreases from $La(OH{)}_3$ to $Lu(OH{)}_3$. Hence, $(1)$ is incorrect.
$Ce=[Xe]4f^{1}5d^{1}6s^2$; $C{e}^{4+}=[Xe]$
$Yb=[Xe]4f^{14}6s^2$; $Y{b}^{2+}=[Xe]4f^{14}$
$Lu=[Xe]4f^{14}5d^{1}6s^2$; $L{u}^{3+}=[Xe]4f^{14}$