Lanthanum oxyfluoride

Lanthanum(III) oxyfluoride is an inorganic compound of lanthanum, fluorine, and oxygen with the chemical formula LaOF.

Synthesis
Several methods of synthesizing LaOF are known:


 * Hydrolysis of lanthanum fluoride by superheated steam:
 * 2LaF3 + H2O -> LaOF + 2HF


 * Decomposition of lanthanum fluoride semihydrate when heated in vacuum:
 * 2LaF3 * 0.5H2O -> LaOF + LaF3 + 2HF


 * Reacting lanthanum oxide with lanthanum fluoride in vacuum:
 * La2O3 + LaF3 -> 3LaOF

Physical properties
The compound forms colorless crystals.

Uses
The compound is used to produce thin films.