Stable rare earth tris (organophosphate) solutions comprise a rare earth
tris (organophosphate) and a hydrocarbon solvent. From about 2% to about
10% rare earth element, preferably from about 3% to about 8%, is present
in the solutions. The rare earth tris (organophosphate) solutions are
stable from precipitation of the rare earth tris (organophosphate) for at
least about fifteen (15) days, preferably for at least about twenty (20)
days and most preferably at least about thirty (30) days. A process for
preparing these solutions is described herein. A stabilizing additive,
acid, glycol or mixtures thereof, is utilized to inhibit precipitation.
The molar ratios of free acid, glycol and/or water to the rare earth
element are controlled to inhibit precipitation.