H3OLa(SO4)(2)center dot 3H(2)O: A new acidic sulfate of the rare earth elements

Colorless single crystals of H3OLa(SO4)(2). 3H(2)O have been obtained by th e reaction of La2O3 and sulfuric acid (80% H2SO4) at 150 degreesC. In the c rystal structure (monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 1119.5(5), b = 693.3(2), c = 1357.4(4) pm, beta = 110.94(4)degrees) La3+ is ninefold coordinated by oxygen atoms which belong to five SO4- ions and three H2O molecules. One of sulfate groups acts as a bidentate ligand. Hydrogen bonding is observed wi th H2O molecules as donors and accepters. Furthermore, strong hydrogen bond s are formed between the H3O+ ions and oxygen atoms of the SO42- groups.