Hydrated structures and dehydration processes of lanthanoid(III) chloranilates studied by EXAFS

Abstract

The local structures of lanthanoid(III) chloranilate complexes of Pr(III), Nd(III), Tb(III) and Er(III) have been studied by EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure). Hydrated structures of the lanthanoid(III) ions in these complexes have been investigated with respect to their coordination numbers and interatomic distances. Six or four water molecules coordinate to the lanthanoid(III) ion of Pr(III) or Nd(III), respectively, just after preparation of the complexes. The temperature dependence of the first coordinated structures has been studied in order to reveal the behavior of the coordinated water molecules in dehydration process. The coordination number around the central lanthanoid(III) ion decreases stepwise as temperature increases, depending on the type of central lanthanoid(III) ion present. The interatomic distance between the central lanthanoid(III) ion and oxygen atoms in the first shell decreases, accompanying the decrease of the coordination numbers. A parameter representing proportion shows the reduction of interatomic distance as one coordinated water molecule removes from the central ion, depending on the type of lanthanoid(III) ions.