A Revised Periodic Table: With the Lanthanides Repositioned

Foundations of Chemistry volume 7, Article number: 203 (2005) Cite this article

Abstract

The lanthanide elements from lanthanum to lutetium inclusive are incorporated into the body of the periodic table. They are subdivided into three sub-groups according to their important oxidation states: La to Sm, Eu to Tm, Yb and Lu, so that Eu and Yb fall directly below Ba; La, Gd, Lu form a column directly below Y; Ce and Tb fall in a vertical line between Zr and Hf. Pm falls below Tc; both are radioactive, and not naturally occurring. The elements with easily attained 2+ and 4+ oxidation states are grouped and clearly differentiated. Gadolinium has an important position as the centre of four triads in the block of elements that surround it– La, Gd, Lu; Ba, Gd, Hf; Eu, Gd, Tb; Yb, Gd, Ce. This new arrangement has the advantages of compactness, simplicity and clarity – there are no tie lines; and important oxidation states of these metals are emphasized. The actinides are also accommodated within this system, and element 114 falls naturally below lead in Group 14.

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  1. School of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Natal, Durban, 4041, Republic of South Africa

    Michael Laing

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Laing, M. A Revised Periodic Table: With the Lanthanides Repositioned. Found Chem 7, 203 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10698-004-5959-9

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Keywords

  • Physical Chemistry
  • Oxidation State
  • Vertical Line
  • Periodic Table
  • Important Position