The Lanthanides

The lanthanide series, officially known as the lanthanoid series, consists of the elements from lanthanum to lutetium. The atomic electronic configurations involve the filling of the 4f, 5d, and 6s orbitals. The properties of the metals are tabulated, their preparations, and the common oxidation states of their ions are discussed. The extraction of the lanthanides from their mineral sources and their separation by solvent extraction are described. The preparations and properties of the oxide and halide salts are described, along with the chemical and structural effects of the lanthanide contraction. The many recent advances in the organometallic compounds of the lanthanides are discussed. The coverage of these topics includes references published through to mid-2021.