The only up-to-date overview available on lanthanide chemistry, this book spans the whole range of chemistry and materials-oriented aspects, including theory, synthesis, properties and applications in several fields. Following an introduction and a look at the basic principles and theory, the monograph goes on to investigate solid state chemistry as well as coordination and organometallic chemistry. Further sections deal with ionic liquids and liquid crystals, before finishing with chapters on functionalities and materials chemistry. Written by experts in the field and with its didactic focus, this is of interest to everybody working in inorganic chemistry and materials science.