Synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of hemimellitic acid complexes with lanthanides(III)

The complexes of lanthanides(III) with hemimellitic acid (1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H(3)btc) of the formula Ln(btc)center dot nH(2)O, where Ln=lanthanide(III) ion and n=2-6 were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns and thermal analysis. The IR spectra of the complexes indicate coordination of lanthanides(III) through all carboxylate groups. The complexes of La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III) and Er(III) are amorphous. On heating in air atmosphere all complexes lose water molecules and next anhydrous compounds decompose to corresponding metal oxides.