Lanthanum is a metallic chemical element (atomic number 57) that serves as the prototypical member of the lanthanide series, characterized by the gradual filling of 4f orbitals. In its common +3 oxidation state, lanthanum forms predominantly ionic compounds with high coordination numbers and exhibits relatively low magnetic moment due to the absence of 4f electrons in La³⁺. It has notable roles in materials science and solid-state chemistry, including as a component in perovskite-type oxides, phosphors, and catalysts, where its ionic radius, polarizability, and redox behavior influence structural stability, defect chemistry, and electronic properties.
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