JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3df181
Among the following hydroxides, the most basic is
ANd(OH)X3
BLu(OH)X3
CGd(OH)X3
DLa(OH)X3
Answer: D
Because of lanthanoid contraction, the ionic radius of LnX3+ decreases from La to Lu, so the Ln−OH bond gains covalent character and the basic strength of Ln(OH)X3 falls. Hence La(OH)X3 is the most basic and Lu(OH)X3 the least.