The question asks about the pair of lanthanides with exceptionally high third ionization enthalpy compared to neighboring elements. Let's analyze the provided options to arrive at the correct answer.
To understand this, we need to consider the electronic configurations of lanthanides. Lanthanides are elements with atomic numbers ranging from 57 (Lanthanum) to 71 (Lutetium). Key factors affecting ionization enthalpy are electronic configuration, particularly the stability associated with half-filled or fully filled subshells.
In lanthanides, the subshell of interest is 4f. Ionization enthalpy generally increases when a stable electronic configuration is disrupted. Notably, elements with half-filled (f7) or fully filled (f14) subshells exhibit higher ionization enthalpies.
Analyzing the other options:
Therefore, the pairing of Eu with Yb is the only one with unique stability characteristics due to half-filled and fully filled 4f shells, respectively, resulting in exceptionally high third ionization enthalpy.
Correct Answer: Eu and Yb