Question

Write any six differences between lanthanides and actinides.

Answer 1

1) Lanthanides have ability to show a maximum oxidation state of +4 while actinides show oxidation states of $+3,+4,+5,+6,+7$.

2) Lanthanides don't form complexes easily, actinides have a great tendency to form complexes with ligands such as thio-ethers.

3) All lanthanoids are non radioactive except promethium but actinides are radio-active in nature.

4) Lanthanides don't form oxocations, but actinides form oxo-cations such as ${UO}^{+},{PuO}^{+},{NpO}_2^{+}$.

5) lanthanides are colourless mostly, but most of actinoids are coloured.