Merck, 262072-500G, Lanthanum(III) chloride heptahydrate

General description
Lanthanum (III) chloride heptahydrate is a hydrated lanthanum salt. It can be used as a catalyst in organic synthesis as well as a mild Lewis acid. It is a cheap, readily available, and moisture-resistant catalyst.
Application
Lanthanum (III) chloride heptahydrate can be used as a catalyst:
In the preparation of a series of 1H-indole-2,3-diones from anilines and oxalic acid under microwave-assisted solvent-free conditions.
In the Knoevenagel condensation to preparation of substituted alkenes under solvent free condition.
In the synthesis of highly functionalized piperidine derivatives by condensing 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with aniline and aromatic aldehydes.

Biochem/physiol Actions
Calcium channel blocker