Lanthanides vs. Actinides
Key Differences
Comparison Chart
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Atomic Number
Position in Periodic Table
Oxidation States
Maximum Oxidation State
Radioactivity
Oxocations
Basic Behavior
Chemical Activity
Coloring Effect
Toxicity
Valence Electrons
Lanthanides and Actinides Definitions
Lanthanides
Actinides
Actinides
Lanthanides vs. Actinides
f block elements are elements in which the last electron enters in f orbital of their atoms. These elements are also characterized as the inner transition elements. They consist of two series which include the lanthanides and the actinides. The lanthanide series is the series of chemical elements which comprises of 15 metallic chemical elements that contain atomic numbers 57 through 71, from lanthanum through the lutetium. The actinide series, on the other hand, is the series of chemical elements which comprises of 15 metallic chemical elements that contain atomic numbers from 89 to 103, actinium through the lawrencium.
Lanthanides are considered as the non-radioactive elements except for the Promethium. All actinides, on the flip side, are regarded as the radioactive elements because of the unstable nature they have.
What are Lanthanides?
Lanthanides are those chemical elements of f block of the periodic table which do not form the complexes easily. The atomic number of lanthanides ranges from 57 to 71. As they are the metallic elements, so they get oxidized in the moist air. They are also able to get quickly dissolve in acids. Lanthanides can react with oxygen and halides, but this reaction takes place slowly. They are not capable of showing a +6 oxidation state. That’s why they cannot form complex molecules. Lanthanides are regarded as electropositive elements. Therefore, they offer priority to make molecules with the electronegative elements. But the changes in the physical and chemical properties are very less throughout the series.
What are Actinides?
Actinides are those chemical elements of f block of the periodic table which can form the complexes easily. The atomic number of actinides ranges from 89 to 103. The abundant and most common actinides found on earth are Thorium and Uranium. They release high energy during the radioactive decay. The prominent oxidation state that is shown by actinides is +3. Actinides make the hydroxides and basic oxides. They are capable of forming complexes with ligands such as sulfates, chlorides, etc. Most of the complexes formed by actinides are colorful. But actinides are regarded as toxic compounds because of their heavy metal behavior and radioactivity.
