Detailed Explanation of f-Block Elements (Class 12 CBSE Level)
What Are f-Block Elements?
f-Block elements are the elements in which the last electron enters the f-orbital of the (n–2)th
shell. They are also called inner transition elements because their f-orbital filling occurs deeper
inside the atom, lying beneath the outermost (n) and penultimate (n–1) shells.
These elements are placed separately at the bottom of the periodic table in two series:
Lanthanides (4f series)
Actinides (5f series) [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Series and Position in Periodic Table
Lanthanide Series (4f): Elements with atomic numbers 58 (Cerium) to 71 (Lutetium).
Sometimes Lanthanum (57) is also included. These are called rare earth elements. [2] [6] [3] [5]
Actinide Series (5f): Elements with atomic numbers 90 (Thorium) to 103 (Lawrencium),
sometimes including Actinium (89). These are termed actinides. [3] [4] [5] [2]
Both series fit into periods 6 (lanthanides) and 7 (actinides) and are placed separately to keep
the periodic table compact.
General Electronic Configuration
Lanthanides: [Xe] 4fn 5d0–1 6s2 (where n = 1–14 for the filling f electrons)
Actinides: [Rn] 5fn 6d0–1 7s2 (where n = 1–14)
The differentiating electron enters into the (n–2)f orbital (hence f-block). [6] [5]
Properties of f-Block Elements
Property Lanthanides Actinides
Orbital for Last Electron 4f 5f
Atomic Numbers 58–71 90–103
Standard Oxidation State +3 (some +2, +4) +3 (variable: +3 to +6)
Nature of Compounds Mostly less basic Generally more basic
Property Lanthanides Actinides
Magnetism Mostly paramagnetic Strongly paramagnetic
Complex formation Moderate Rapid
Radioactivity Non-radioactive (except Pm) All are radioactive
Color Colored ions (d–d transitions) Colored/varied
Occurrence Rare, as mixtures in minerals Mostly synthetic
Stability of Empty, Half, Full f f0, f7, and f14 configurations are especially stable Similar for actinides
Lanthanide Contraction and Actinoid Contraction
Lanthanide Contraction: Gradual decrease in atomic and ionic radii from Ce to Lu due to
poor shielding effect of f-orbitals. It affects chemical similarity in later elements and
transition metal sizes. [4] [2]
Actinide Contraction: Similar gradual decrease in actinides due to poor shielding by 5f
electrons. [2]
Key Chemical Characteristics
Lanthanides:
Soft, silvery-white metals.
Highly reactive, tarnish in air.
Good conductors of electricity and heat.
Tend to form +3 ions. Some show +2 and +4 states.
Show basic to intermediate chemical behavior.
Exhibit paramagnetism due to unpaired f electrons.
Colored ions due to f–f transitions.
Actinides:
Silvery metals, most are synthetic.
All are radioactive.
Exhibit several oxidation states (+3 is common, but +4, +5, +6 also found).
Actinides (especially early ones) form complexes more readily.
Show strong paramagnetism.
Many show color in ions due to f–f transitions.
React vigorously, especially when finely divided.
Placement & Importance
Placed below the main table for neatness, not because they are less important.
Lanthanides: Used in alloys, catalysts, glass coloring, and electronics.
Actinides: Uranium and Plutonium are fuel in nuclear reactors; Am, Cm used in smoke
detectors and scientific research.
Why f-Block Elements Are Unique
Their chemistry is primarily due to the incomplete filling of the f orbitals, leading to unique
properties different from s-, p-, and d-block elements.
Difficult to separate due to very similar properties within each series (especially lanthanides).
Summary Table
Last
Atomic Oxidation
Series Electron Noted For Magnetism Radioactive
Numbers States
Enters
Rare earth +3 (+2,+4
Lanthanides 58–71 4f Paramagnetic No*
elements less)
Radioactive, +3 (others Strong
Actinides 90–103 5f Yes
nuclear use too) paramagnet
*Except promethium (Pm), which is radioactive.
In a Nutshell
Lanthanides and actinides = two rows of elements at the bottom of the periodic table.
Lanthanides: Soft metals, +3 oxidation, non-radioactive (except Pm).
Actinides: All radioactive, variable oxidation states, important in nuclear chemistry.
Both: Show similar ionic radii and properties within their own series, are called inner
transition elements, and fill f-orbitals. [5] [6] [3] [4] [2]
These concepts are important for understanding modern inorganic chemistry, periodic trends,
and several practical applications in technology and energy.
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1. https://byjus.com/chemistry/d-and-f-block-elements/
2. https://byjus.com/jee/f-block-elements/
3. https://www.pw.live/iit-jee/exams/f-block-elements
4. https://testbook.com/chemistry/f-block-elements
5. https://allen.in/jee/chemistry/f-block-elements
6. https://www.masterjeeclasses.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/F-BLACK-ENEMENTS.pdf
