Q37 / 180 · AIIMS 2012 · Chemistry
Assertion : $\mathrm{La}(\mathrm{OH})_3$ is more basic than $\mathrm{Lu}(\mathrm{OH})_3$.Reason : Size of $\mathrm{Lu}^{3+}$ increases and shows more covalent character.
- AIf both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
- BIf both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion
- Correct answerCIf assertion is true but reason is false
- DIf both assertion and reason are false.
Solution
Due to lanthanide contraction, the size of $\mathrm{Lu}^{3+}$ is decreased and therefore $\mathrm{Lu}(\mathrm{OH})_3$ shows more covalent character (Small cation, more is covalent character - Fajan's rule). Thus $\mathrm{La}(\mathrm{OH})_3$ is more ionic and thus more basic.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.