Cerium Acetate, Cerium (III) Acetate, Cerous Acetate, 20699-43-8

CERIUM ACETATE (CERIUM(III) ACETATE) 

Chemical Name: Cerium(III) Acetate / Cerium Acetate / Cerous Acetate
CAS Number: 20699-43-8
EC Number: 243-812-3
UN Number: - (Not classified as dangerous goods)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cerium Acetate (Ce(CH₃COO)₃) is the acetate salt of cerium in the +3 oxidation state. The compound consists of a cerium ion (Ce³⁺) coordinated by three acetate ligands (CH₃COO⁻). It is commercially available typically in hydrated forms (sesquihydrate or various hydration levels). As an organic acid salt, it exhibits better compatibility with organic solvents compared to other inorganic cerium salts, making it preferred in organic synthesis applications.

Structural Features:

• Contains organic acetate ligands

• Soluble in water and alcohol

• Exhibits Lewis acid properties

• Thermal decomposition yields cerium oxide

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cerium Acetate is a white, organic acetate salt of a rare earth element. It is soluble in water at 265 g/L at 15°C. It decomposes at approximately 308°C. Its non-hygroscopic nature provides ease of storage and handling. At high temperatures (760°C), it converts to cerium oxide (CeO₂). The presence of acetate ligands makes it compatible with organic matrices.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cerium Acetate is soluble in water and compatible with organic solvents (alcohol, benzene). This property makes it suitable for use in both aqueous and organic environments. Its solubility in organic solvents provides a significant advantage over other inorganic cerium salts.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cerium Acetate functions as a Lewis acid in organic and inorganic reactions. Together with bromide ions, it catalyzes the liquid-phase auto-oxidation of cresols. During thermal decomposition, acetic acid vapor is released first, followed by the formation of cerium oxide (CeO₂). This property makes it an ideal precursor for CeO₂ production.

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Cerium Acetate is manufactured in various grades from technical (≥ 98%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). High purity grades (99.99% and above) are preferred for optical, electronic, and research applications. Technical grades are suitable for metallurgical and general industrial applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Organic Synthesis and Catalysis (Most Important Application)

Cerium Acetate is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis. Together with bromide ions, it is an effective catalyst for the auto-oxidation of cresols. Its organic structure makes it more compatible with organic reaction media compared to other cerium salts.

6.2. Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) Production

Cerium Acetate is used as an organic precursor for CeO₂ production. Its thermal decomposition at 760°C yields cerium oxide. This property makes it ideal for sol-gel processes and thin film coatings.

6.3. Glass and Optical Applications

6.4. Polymer and Plastics Industry

6.5. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Cerium salt

• Organic cerium additive

• White cerium powder

• Cerium acetate crystal

• Rare earth acetate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Ce₂O₃ + 6CH₃COOH → 2Ce(CH₃COO)₃ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 98% to 99.99%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Cerium Acetate may cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, and respiratory tract irritation. Protective equipment (gloves, goggles, dust mask) must be used during handling. Chronic exposure to cerium compounds may cause delayed blood coagulation, heat sensitivity, pruritus, and liver damage. Although not classified as dangerous goods, appropriate safety measures must be taken.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cerium Acetate is not classified as dangerous goods. No special restrictions apply for transport by sea, land, or air.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cerium Acetate is registered in all major industrial markets including the EU, USA, and Canada. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey. It is classified under customs tariff code 2846.90.00.00.19.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation (use closed systems, local exhaust ventilation)

• Avoid skin and eye contact (use protective gloves and safety goggles)

• Avoid inhalation of dust (use dust mask or respirator)

• Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed

• Keep away from oxidizing agents

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Use under chemical fume hood is recommended

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cerium Acetate is not a flammable substance. In case of fire, protective equipment must be used. Thermal decomposition products include carbon oxides and metal oxide fumes.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. The material should be contained to prevent dust dispersion and cleaned up using vacuum or sweeping. Environmental release must be prevented, and waste disposed according to local regulations.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Cerium compounds may cause delayed blood coagulation

• Chronic exposure may cause heat sensitivity, pruritus, and liver damage

• Medical personnel should be informed about cerium compound exposure

18. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

18.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

18.2. Downstream Products

19. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS

20. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Cerium Acetate (Ce(CH₃COO)₃, CAS 20699-43-8) is the acetate salt of cerium in the +3 oxidation state. It appears as a white crystalline powder, soluble in water (265 g/L at 15°C) and alcohol. The molecular weight is 316.16 g/mol (anhydrous) or 317.26 g/mol (hydrated), and it decomposes at approximately 308°C. Aqueous solutions are slightly acidic (pH ~5.5-6.5).

Its most important applications include use as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, catalyst for cresol auto-oxidation with bromide, organic precursor for CeO₂ production, optical glass and polishing applications, and polymerization initiator. Due to its organic acetate structure, it is more compatible with organic matrices compared to inorganic cerium salts and is preferred in organic synthesis reactions.

According to GHS classification, it bears GHS05 (corrosion) and GHS07 (warning) hazard symbols. It may cause skin irritation, serious eye damage, and respiratory tract irritation. Although not classified as dangerous goods, appropriate safety measures must be taken. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from oxidizing agents. Shelf life is 24-36 months.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• CORROSIVE: Serious eye damage (H318)

• IRRITANT: Skin and respiratory tract irritation (H315, H335)

• SIGNAL WORD: Danger

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated

• INCOMPATIBLE: Oxidizing agents

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

• TRANSPORT: Not dangerous goods

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. SAFETY CLASSIFICATION: Cerium Acetate bears GHS05 and GHS07 warning symbols. The signal word is "Danger" and it may cause serious eye damage, skin, and respiratory tract irritation. Appropriate PPE must be used during handling.

2. ORGANIC PRECURSOR ADVANTAGE: Due to its organic acetate structure, Cerium Acetate is more compatible with organic synthesis reactions compared to other inorganic cerium salts. Its solubility in organic solvents (alcohol, benzene) makes it ideal for organic matrix applications.

3. CeO₂ PRODUCTION: Its thermal decomposition to cerium oxide (CeO₂) at 760°C makes it an excellent organic precursor for high-purity CeO₂ production. It is preferred in sol-gel processes and thin film coatings.

4. CRESOL OXIDATION: Together with bromide ions, it catalyzes the liquid-phase auto-oxidation of cresols. This property makes it a specialized catalyst in certain organic synthesis reactions.

5. TRANSPORT: Not classified as dangerous goods, providing logistical advantages. No UN number and not a marine pollutant.

6. NOT HYGROSCOPIC: Its non-hygroscopic nature provides ease of storage and handling. It is more stable against moisture compared to other cerium salts.

7. CHRONIC TOXICITY: Chronic exposure to cerium compounds may cause delayed blood coagulation, heat sensitivity, pruritus, and liver damage. Prolonged exposure should be avoided.

8. CARCINOGENICITY: Not classified as carcinogenic by EPA, IARC, NTP, OSHA, or ACGIH.

9. REGULATORY STATUS: Listed on TSCA (USA) and DSL (Canada). KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.

10. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.90.00.00.19. Correct classification is essential for international trade.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Cerium Acetate.