Periodic Table of WIS

Lanthanum La

 

Where is lanthanum used--or where does it impact your everyday life?

 

The metal flints that produce sparks for igniting Zippo lighters are made of mischmetal: 38% cerium alloyed with praesodymium, neodymium, up to 50% lanthanum and magnesium with ~20% iron.  Many thanks to (Biology) Ms. S's fiance for the image of the lighter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Element:  lanthanum

Symbol:  La

Atomic number: 57

Atomic mass:  139 g/mol

Solid at room temperature

Melting point: 920 oC  (1688 oF)

Boiling point: 3464 oC (6267 oF)

Density at room temperature:  6.2 g/mL

Hazard: a low to moderate human toxicity

Reactions with air: with oxygen 4La + 3O2 --> 2La2O3

Reacts slowly in cold water 2La+6H2O --> 3H2+2La(OH)3

Electron configuration: 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2    [Xe] 5d1  6s2

Main uses of the element: as a catalyst, in studio lighting, as an ignition agent in flints in lighters, and for electrodes/ cathodes.

Discovered: 1839 by Carl Mosander in Sweden

Named because it was found as an impurity in cerium nitrate. Name is Greek for "to lie hidden".

Found in nature in monazite, (Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO4 usually found alloyed with other rare earth metals

Source: LANL.gov

Researched by Max Y