Lanthanum(III) chloride

Lanthanum(III) chloride, commonly abbreviated as LaCl3 (CAS 10099-58-8, EC 233-237-5), is an inorganic rare earth salt derived from lanthanum metal and hydrochloric acid. It carries no assigned E-code. It is commercially available under the names Lanthanum Chloride and Lanthanum(+3) Chloride.

In water treatment, LaCl3 acts as a phosphate binder, precipitating dissolved phosphates through ionic interaction to control eutrophication in lakes and municipal systems. In pharmaceutical and antimicrobial applications, lanthanum ions disrupt bacterial membrane function by displacing calcium ions, inhibiting microbial growth at the cellular level.

LaCl3 is supplied in anhydrous and heptahydrate grades, in powder or bead form, with purity levels ranging from technical to high-purity reagent grade. The substance is registered under REACH and subject to standard rare earth handling regulations within the EU. Packaging typically includes multi-layer bags and drums suited to moisture-sensitive materials.