LaCl3
Lanthanum chloride
La3+ balances chloride ions.
What Is the Charge of Lanthanum?
Lanthanum commonly forms La3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Lanthanum usually has a common ionic charge of +3, written as La3+.
| Element | Lanthanum |
|---|---|
| Symbol | La |
| Atomic number | 57 |
| Common ionic charge | +3 |
| Common ions | La3+ |
Why Lanthanum has this charge
Lanthanum is an lanthanide. Its chemistry can be specialized, but +3 is the most useful introductory reference range.
This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.
Lanthanum charge examples
La2O3
Lanthanum oxide
Lanthanum can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
FAQ
Is Lanthanum charge the same as oxidation state?
Ionic charge is the charge on an actual ion. Oxidation state is a bookkeeping number used inside compounds. They can match, but they are not always the same thing.
How do I use this in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero. You can also use the ionic compound calculator.
Where can I see the full chart?
Use the periodic table with charges or the ionic charges chart.