The reaction of a nitrilotriacetate-intercalated Mg-Al layered double hydroxide in a lanthanum nitrate solution is studied. La3+ is incorporated into the interlayer through the formation of a chelate complex. NO3- is also taken up as a charge-balancing anion. During chelation the interlayer repeat increases from 11.9 A to 13.9 A. Chemical analysis suggests that 1:1 and 1:2 metal:chelate complexes are formed within the interlayer. Calcination of the La3+-containing double hydroxide results in the formation of LaAlO3.