Lanthanum chloride heptahydrate

Lanthanum chloride heptahydrate (CAS 10025-84-0) is the crystalline hydrated form of lanthanum(III) chloride, with the molecular formula LaCl₃·7H₂O and a formula weight of approximately 371.37 g/mol.

Where is Lanthanum chloride heptahydrate used?

• Oil, gas and energy refining: precursor for ion exchange of zeolite Y in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst production, the highest-volume application
• Water and wastewater treatment: reagent that precipitates orthophosphate as highly insoluble lanthanum phosphate (LaPO₄) for phosphate removal from municipal effluent, industrial discharge, and lake or reservoir remediation
• Production of lanthanum-modified bentonite (La-bentonite) for aquatic phosphorus management
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturing: intermediate in the synthesis of lanthanum carbonate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for phosphate-binding end-formulations
• Home care and industrial cleaning: coagulation and flocculation aid where controlled phosphate sequestration or speciality surface-treatment chemistry is required
• The lanthanum-exchanged zeolite framework delivers enhanced hydrothermal stability and improved gasoline selectivity under FCC process conditions.

Good to know: Buyers in the pharmaceutical segment should confirm applicable pharmacopoeial alignment with their quality team, as no specific Ph. Eur. or USP monograph applies directly to this salt form. Not to be confused with anhydrous lanthanum chloride (CAS 10099-58-8).

Commercial specifications

• Commercially available grades range from 2N to 5N purity, expressed on a rare earth oxide basis as La₂O₃/TREO (total rare earth oxides).
• TREO content approximately 43–45 % within the heptahydrate salt; La₂O₃/TREO purity reaching 99.9 % or above in higher-purity lots.
• Cerium oxide impurity (CeO₂) generally controlled to ≤ 0.05 % La₂O₃/TREO.
• ICP-MS analysis is the standard methodology for verifying inter-lot consistency in bulk commercial supply.
• Standard commercial packaging for the crystalline solid is 25 kg double-polyethylene-lined drums and 1,000 kg big-bags.
• Aqueous solution grades (TREO 20–29 %, supplied in IBC containers) are available as related forms.
• REACH registration of lanthanum chloride, anhydrous (registered tonnage band 1,000–10,000 t/a), confirming compliance status for supply within the European Economic Area.