Abstract
Rare earth elements form complexes with hippuric acid with the general formula, ML3 center dot nH(2)O(M=La, Ce and Sm(III) where n=4,7 and 8 respectively, HL=hippuric acid). The solid complexes formed were characterized through their elemental analysis, IR, (HNMR)-H-1 and electronic spectral as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The mode of coordination between the ligand and the metal ions were determined.