High-field magnetization measurements in single crystalline CeCu2, TbC
u2 and DyCu2 with the orthorhombic CeCu2-type crystal structure have b
een carried out. A field-induced metamagnetic transition for the magne
tic held along the c-axis is observed, which is caused by the switchin
g of the different magnetic anisotropy states. The origin of the trans
ition is discussed on the basis of the quadrupolar interaction and cry
stalline electric held. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese
rved.