- Source: Lanthanum oxyfluoride
Lanthanum(III) oxyfluoride is an inorganic compound of lanthanum, fluorine, and oxygen with the chemical formula LaOF.
Synthesis
Several methods of synthesizing LaOF are known:
Hydrolysis of lanthanum fluoride by superheated steam:
2LaF3 + H2O → LaOF + 2HF
Decomposition of lanthanum fluoride semihydrate when heated in vacuum:
2LaF3 · 0.5H2O → LaOF + LaF3 + 2HF
Reacting lanthanum oxide with lanthanum fluoride in vacuum:
La2O3 + LaF3 → 3LaOF
Physical properties
The compound forms colorless crystals.
Uses
The compound is used to produce thin films.