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Commentary

Lanthanum (La) and Actinium (Ac) Should Remain in the d-block

Citing Articles

Laurence Lavelle

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095

J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (11), p 1482

DOI: 10.1021/ed085p1482

Publication Date (Web): November 1, 2008

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This paper discusses the reasons and implications of placing lanthanum (La) and actinium (Ac) in the f-block and lutetium (Lu) and lawrencium (Lr) in the d-block. The author's conclusion is that placing lanthanum (La) and actinium (Ac) in the f-block results in a less satisfactory presentation of the elements in the periodic table and that lanthanum (La) and actinium (Ac) should remain in the d-block below yttrium (Y) in group 3 (IIIB).

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Inorganic Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Commentary

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Misconceptions / Discrepant Events

Keywords (Subject):

Actinium

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 5 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).

Theoretical Basis and Correct Explanation of the Periodic System: Review and Update
W. H. Eugen Schwarz, Ronald L. Rich
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (4), 435-443
- Theoretical Basis and Correct Explanation of the Periodic System: Review and Update
  W. H. Eugen Schwarz, Ronald L. Rich
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (4), 435-443
  Long-standing questions on the theoretical basis of the periodic system have been answered in recent years. A specific type of periodicity is imposed on all elements by the main groups just before and after the noble gasses. The upper np shells of these ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Which Elements Belong in Group 3?
Eric Scerri
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1188
- Which Elements Belong in Group 3?
  Eric Scerri
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1188
  Commentary on a suggestion that the recent trend found in many textbooks, to place lutetium and lawrencium in group 3 of the periodic table instead of lanthanum and actinium, is a mistake.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Response to “Misapplying the Periodic Law”
Laurence Lavelle
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1187
- Response to “Misapplying the Periodic Law”
  Laurence Lavelle
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1187
  Placing lanthanum and actinium in the f-block is not widely accepted or without problems.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Misapplying the Periodic Law
William B. Jensen
Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1186
- Misapplying the Periodic Law
  William B. Jensen
  Journal of Chemical Education2009 86 (10), 1186
  The author comments on a recent recommendation for modifying the placement of La and Ac in the periodic table, feeling that it is based on inconsistent reasoning and contains a serious distortion of the contents of an earlier article dealing with this ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
Response to "The Flyleaf Periodic Table"
Laurence Lavelle
Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (11), 1491
- Response to "The Flyleaf Periodic Table"
  Laurence Lavelle
  Journal of Chemical Education2008 85 (11), 1491
  Clark and White wonder why the chemistry education community has not uniformly adopted just one form of the periodic table. Part of the answer is that the majority who are silent on this issue do not want to be attacked by the vocal proponents who insist ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links