Knowing that the Chemistry of lanthanoids (Ln) is dominated by its +3 ...
The incorrect statement is option B: Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless.
Explanation:
1. Ionic sizes of Ln (III) decrease with increasing atomic number:
The lanthanoids, also known as the lanthanide series, are a group of 15 elements that follow lanthanum in the periodic table. As we move across the series from lanthanum to lutetium, the atomic number increases, but the size of the ions decreases. This is due to the increase in effective nuclear charge, which attracts electrons more strongly and reduces the size of the ions. Therefore, the ionic sizes of Ln (III) generally decrease with increasing atomic number.
2. Ln (III) compounds being generally colourless:
Ln (III) compounds, in general, exhibit a wide range of colors due to the presence of partially filled 4f orbitals. The 4f electrons are shielded by 5s and 5p orbitals, resulting in less effective shielding and increased energy differences between the orbitals. This leads to absorption of specific wavelengths of light, resulting in the color observed for the compounds. Therefore, the statement that Ln (III) compounds are generally colorless is incorrect.
3. Ln (III) hydroxides are mainly basic in character:
Ln (III) hydroxides are basic in character. The Ln (III) ions have a high charge density, which results in strong electrostatic attraction between the ions and hydroxide ions. This leads to the formation of basic hydroxides. Therefore, the statement that Ln (III) hydroxides are mainly basic in character is correct.
4. Bonding in Ln (III) compounds is predominantly ionic in character:
The bonding in Ln (III) compounds is predominantly ionic in character. The Ln (III) ions have a high charge density and tend to lose their 3 valence electrons to achieve a stable noble gas configuration. This results in the formation of Ln (III) ions with a +3 charge, which can form ionic bonds with negatively charged ions. Therefore, the statement that the bonding in Ln (III) compounds is predominantly ionic in character is correct.
In conclusion, the incorrect statement is option B: Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless. Ln (III) compounds exhibit a wide range of colors due to the presence of partially filled 4f orbitals.
Knowing that the Chemistry of lanthanoids (Ln) is dominated by its +3 ...
The correct answer is option B
Ln(III) compounds are coloured due to the f−f transitions in the lanthanide but the colour is fainter as compared to the d−d transitions in transition metals.