Lanthanum Carbonate Hydrate
LANTHANUM CARBONATE, LANTHANUM CARBONATE N-HYDRATE
- CAS
- 54451-24-0
- EC
- 611-146-5
- Sectors
- Oil, Gas & Energy, Pharma & Healthcare, Animal Nutrition, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electronics & Solar PV
Lanthanum Carbonate Hydrate (La₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O; MW 457.84) is a white to off-white rare earth carbonate supplied as a powder or lump. It is insoluble in water but dissolves readily in mineral acids, making it a versatile precursor for downstream lanthanum compounds. Commercially available technical grades carry a TREO of approximately 45 % with La₂O₃/TREO purity of 99–99.99 %; loss on ignition (LOI) typically falls in the 35–45 % range at −200 mesh. Related forms include the anhydrous tricarbonate (CAS 587-26-8) and the defined octahydrate (CAS 6487-39-4).
Pharma-grade material conforms to USP/EP monographs for Lanthanum Carbonate (3–6 mol water) and is produced under GMP with DMF/CEP documentation support, positioning it as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for phosphate-binding therapy. Across industrial sectors the compound functions as a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst feedstock, a phosphate adsorbent precursor, and a starting material for lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) used in optical glass, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and superconductor synthesis.
Lanthanum Carbonate Hydrate
Applications
- Oil, Gas & Energy: Acid-dissolved to yield lanthanum salt solutions used as rare earth feedstock in the formulation of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts for refinery hydrocarbon conversion.
- Pharma & Healthcare: Pharma-grade lanthanum carbonate hydrate serves as the API in oral phosphate-binding formulations for the management of hyperphosphataemia in renal patients.
- Animal Nutrition: The octahydrate form is an authorised phosphate binder in prescription renal diets for cats and dogs, limiting intestinal phosphate absorption.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment: Used as a precursor in the manufacture of lanthanum-based phosphate adsorbents and coagulants for removal of phosphorus from municipal and industrial effluents.
- Electronics & Solar PV: Serves as a calcination precursor for high-purity La₂O₃ required in SOFC electrolyte formulations, superconductor intermediates, and specialty optical glass colouring.
Safety & Risks
Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Handle powder with adequate ventilation to minimise dust generation; use dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves as standard precaution. Store in a cool, dry location away from strong acids.
Packaging
25 kg fibre or polyethylene-lined drums; 500–1,000 kg big bags for bulk technical grade; 1–5 kg sealed bags for pharma and high-purity lots. Store sealed, dry conditions.