Introduction

1  Some Definitions and Viewpoints
2  Occurrence and History of the Elements
3  Nature of f-electrons
4  Electronic Properties
5  Periodicity in the f-Block

Lanthanides

1  Abundance & Distribution
2  Extraction
3  Separation
4  The Metals
5  Examination of the predominance of the 3+ Oxidation State
6  General Features of Lanthanide Chemistry
7  Solution Chemistry

• Hydrated Ions
• Coordination Compounds
• Redox Chemistry - Oxidation States other than +3

8  Magnetism

• Paramagnetism
• Ferro- and Ferri-Magnetism

9  Electronic Spectroscopy

• Luminescence
• Phosphors
• Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Lasers

  Solids

  ~ Includes: Structures, Magnetism, Spectroscopy, Electronic & Optical Properties, Technological Importance

10  Halides

• LnX₃
• LnX₂
• SmI₂ ~ a versatile organic reagent
• Lower Halides

11  Hydrides

• LnH₂
• Hydrogen Storage

12  Oxides
13  Borides
14  Carbides
15  Organometallic Chemistry

• Cyclopentadienides
• Cyclooctatetraenides
• Arenes
• Mixed Alkyl Cyclopentadienides

16  Comparisons/Contrasts

• Is Y a rare earth?
• Should Sc be considered with the Lanthanides, Transition Metals or as Main Group 3?
• Contrasts between Lanthanides & Transition Metals
• Similarities between Lanthanides & Other Elements

Actinides

1  Periodicity
2  Occurrence
3  Synthesis of Trans-Uranium Elements
4  Uses of Trans-Uranium Elements
5  The Metals
6  General Observations on Actinides

Including Comparisons with Lanthanides & Transition Metals

7  Oxidation States
8  Aqueous Chemistry
9  Coordination Stereochemistries
10  Uranium Chemistry

• Halides
• Hydrides
• Oxides
• Aqueous Chemistry
  • especially the uranyl ion

11  Nuclear Technology
12  Organometallics
13  Super-Heavy Elements?

Bibliography