Cerium Nitrate Ce(NO3)3.6H2O

Product Properties

Appearance: It typically appears as a white or colorless crystalline solid. When hydrated, which is the more common form, it may have a slightly off-white color due to the presence of water molecules.

Solubility: Cerium nitrate is highly soluble in water and also dissolves well in ethanol and acetone. This high solubility makes it a versatile reactant in aqueous solutions.

Hygroscopic: It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which is why it’s often found in its hydrated form, Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O.

Melting Point: The hydrated form of cerium nitrate has a melting point of about 56°C (132.8°F), where it begins to decompose. The anhydrous form has a higher decomposition temperature.

Density: The density of cerium nitrate hexahydrate is approximately 2.45 g/cm³.

Thermal Decomposition: Upon heating, cerium nitrate decomposes to cerium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen. This property is leveraged in pyrotechnics and in the synthesis of cerium oxide catalysts.

Specification of Cerium Nitrate

Products Name	cerium nitrate
CeO2/TREO (% min.)	99.999	99.99	99.9	99
TREO (% min.)	39	39	39	39
Loss on ignition (% max.)	1	1	1	1
Rare Earth Impurities	ppm max.	ppm max.	% max.	% max.
La2O3/TREO	2	50	0.1	0.52
Pr6O11/TREO	2	50	0.1	0.5
Nd2O3/TREO	2	20	0.06	0.2
Sm2O3/TREO	2	10	0.01	0.05
Y2O3/TREO	2	10	0.01	0.05
Non-Rare Earth Impurities	ppm max.	ppm max.	% max.	% max.
Fe2O3	10	21	0.02	0.03
SiO2	52	100	0.03	0.05
CaO	30	100	0.051	0.053
PbO	5	10
Al2O3	10
NiO	5
CuO	5

Application of Cerium Nitrate

Catalysis: Cerium nitrate is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis processes. It facilitates various chemical reactions, including the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, and the nitration of aromatic compounds. Its role as a catalyst can enhance reaction rates and improve yield efficiencies.
Material Science: It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of cerium oxide and other cerium-containing compounds, which are widely used in ceramics, fuel cells, and as polishing agents for glass and semiconductors. Cerium oxide nanoparticles, known for their optical properties and as oxygen storage components, can be synthesized from cerium nitrate solutions.
Medicine: Cerium nitrate is used in medicine, particularly in dermatology, as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent. It is a component of some topical treatments for burns and wounds, where it helps to prevent infection and promotes healing.
Pyrotechnics: In pyrotechnics, cerium nitrate is used to produce sparks. The compound is a strong oxidizer, and when combined with fuels or other reducing agents, it can produce bright, white sparks, which are valued in fireworks and in stage pyrotechnics for visual effects.