Studies on the thermal decomposition of rare earth caproates

The thermal decomposition of rare earth caproates with general formula Ln(C5H11COO)(3) nH(2)O, (where Ln=Y, La-Pr, n=1; Ln=Nd-Er, n=2; Ln=Tm-Lu, n=3) were studied in an air atmosphere. On heating, the hydrated caproates are dehydrated in one step and then the anhydrous complexes decompose to the oxides (Ln(2)O(3), Pr6O11) with formation of the intermediate Ln(2)O(2)CO(3) (La, Pr-Gd) or directly to the oxides Ln(2)O(3), CeO2, Tb4O7(Y, Ce, Tb-Lu). Caproates of rare earth elements are liquefied during dehydration.