Consider the following statement in respect of Lantinanoids :
(i) The basic strength of hydroxides of lanthanoids increases from `La (OH)_(3)` to `Lu (OH)_(3)`.
(ii) The lanthanoid ions `Lu^(3+), Yb^(2+)` and `Ce^(4+)` are diamagnetic.
Which of the statements (s) given above is /are correct ?

Options

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. neither 1 not 2

Explanation

To determine the correctness of the statements regarding lanthanides, let's analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the first statement
**Statement (i):** The basic strength of hydroxides of lanthanides increases from La(OH)₃ to Lu(OH)₃.

- **Explanation:** In the lanthanide series, there is a phenomenon known as lanthanide contraction, which refers to the gradual decrease in the size of the lanthanide ions from La³⁺ to Lu³⁺. As the ionic size decreases, the covalent character of the hydroxides increases, which leads to a decrease in basic strength. Therefore, the basic strength of hydroxides does not increase; it actually decreases from La(OH)₃ to Lu(OH)₃.

**Conclusion:** Statement (i) is **incorrect**.

### Step 2: Analyze the second statement
**Statement (ii):** The lanthanide ions Lu³⁺, Yb²⁺, and Ce⁴⁺ are diamagnetic.

- **Explanation:**
- **Lu³⁺ (Lutetium ion):** This ion has no unpaired electrons, making it diamagnetic.
- **Yb²⁺ (Ytterbium ion):** This ion also has no unpaired electrons in its electronic configuration, hence it is diamagnetic.
- **Ce⁴⁺ (Cerium ion):** This ion has a configuration that results in no unpaired electrons, making it diamagnetic as well.

Since all three ions mentioned have no unpaired electrons, they are indeed diamagnetic.

**Conclusion:** Statement (ii) is **correct**.

### Final Conclusion:
- The first statement is incorrect.
- The second statement is correct.

Thus, the correct option is **only statement (ii)**.

### Summary:
- **Correct Answer:** Statement (ii) is correct; Statement (i) is incorrect.

---