Cerium(III) chloride
[CAS# 7790-86-5]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal halides and halides >> Metal chlorides and salts
• Name: Cerium(III) chloride
• Synonyms: Cerium trichloride
• Molecular Formula: CeCl₃
• Molecular Weight: 246.47
• CAS Registry Number: 7790-86-5
• EC Number: 232-227-8
• SMILES: [Cl-].[Cl-].[Cl-].[Ce+3]

Properties

• Solubility: 100% w/w (water 0 °C)
• Density: 3.97
• Melting point: 848 °C
• Boiling point: 1727 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H314-H410
• Safety Statements: P260-P273-P280-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340+P310-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290

Discovery and Applications

Cerium trichloride was first discovered and isolated in the late 18th century when the element cerium was discovered. Cerium itself was discovered in 1803 by Swedish chemists Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm Hisinger. The compound cerium trichloride was later synthesized and characterized to explore its unique properties and potential applications.

Cerium (III) chloride is typically a white to pale yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. It has a melting point of about 730°C and decomposes above 900°C. Cerium (III) chloride is primarily produced by the reaction of cerium metal or cerium oxide with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and can also be prepared by the reaction of cerium dioxide (CeO₂) with anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas.

Cerium (III) chloride and its derivatives are used as catalysts in organic synthesis, particularly in reactions such as the Friedel-Crafts acylation and cyclization processes. They promote reactions by activating substrates and increasing reaction rates. It serves as an ingredient in the manufacture of glass and ceramics to impart desirable properties such as increased transparency and thermal stability. It is used in metallurgical applications, including alloy production and metal surface treatment, aiding in refining and enhancing metal properties.

Cerium (III) chloride is used as a reagent in chemical analysis and research, particularly in spectroscopic studies and environmental monitoring. Cerium compounds are studied for their antioxidant properties in biological systems and may aid in medical therapeutic applications.

Cerium chloride can be used in water purification processes to remove impurities and contaminants due to its ability to precipitate phosphates and heavy metals.

Cerium chloride is used in electronics to produce phosphors, which are key components in lighting and display technologies.

Because cerium (III) chloride is corrosive and potentially toxic, it should be handled with care. Safety precautions, including proper ventilation, protective clothing, and handling in a controlled environment, are essential to minimize the risks associated with exposure.

Ongoing research focuses on expanding the applications of cerium (III) chloride, particularly in advanced materials, renewable energy technologies, and environmental remediation. Advances in nanotechnology and materials science are expected to enhance its functionality and efficiency in a variety of applications.

References

2014. Pulmonary Toxicity in Mice Following Exposure to Cerium Chloride. Biological Trace Element Research, 159(1-3).
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-9953-3

2011. Effects of Added CeCl3 on Resistance of Fifth-Instar Larvae of Silkworm to Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus Infection. Biological Trace Element Research, 144(1-3).
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9253-0

2011. Protective Effect of Cerium Ion Against Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced Water Stress in Soybean Seedlings. Biological Trace Element Research, 145(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9264-x