Cerium Fluoride, Cerous Fluoride, Cerium (III) Fluoride, 7758-88-5

CERIUM FLUORIDE (CERIUM(III) FLUORIDE) 

Chemical Name: Cerium(III) Fluoride / Cerium Fluoride / Cerous Fluoride
CAS Number: 7758-88-5
EC Number: 231-841-3
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cerium Fluoride (CeF₃) is an inorganic compound formed by the reaction of cerium with fluorine. Cerium is the first element in the lanthanide series and is stable in the +3 oxidation state. CeF₃ has an ionic crystal structure where fluoride ions surround cerium ions. The hexagonal crystal system, known as the tysonite structure, features Ce³⁺ ions in 9-coordination with fluoride ions.

Structural Features:

• CeF₃ occurs naturally as the mineral "tysonite"

• Strong ionic bonds between fluoride and cerium ions contribute to high melting point (1460°C) and chemical stability

• Insolubility in water stems from the tight and stable fluoride matrix structure

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cerium Fluoride is a white, odorless powder with a high melting point (1460°C) and is insoluble in water. It has a density of approximately 6.16 g/cm³ and crystallizes in a hexagonal structure. The compound is non-hygroscopic and thermally stable. Its insolubility in water makes it ideal for fluoride-containing applications. It dissolves in hot concentrated acids forming cerium salts. Optical properties include high UV transmittance and low refractive loss.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cerium Fluoride is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. It dissolves in strong, hot concentrated acids (sulfuric, nitric, hydrochloric acid). Its insolubility in hydrofluoric acid is due to the common ion effect. It is insoluble in alkalis. This solubility profile makes it a stable material in fluoride-containing environments.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cerium Fluoride is a thermally stable compound. It is resistant to oxidation in air. It reacts with hot concentrated acids to form cerium(III) salts. The stability of cerium in the +3 oxidation state enhances the compound's chemical stability. Oxidation of Ce³⁺ to Ce⁴⁺ is difficult, which maintains CeF₃ in a reducing environment. Due to the fluoride ion, it exhibits weakly basic properties.

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Cerium Fluoride is manufactured in various grades from technical to high purity (≥ 99.9% - 99.999%). Optical and laser applications require high purity (99.99% and above), while metallurgical and ceramic applications can utilize technical grade. Particle size can be customized based on application requirements.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Optical and Laser Applications (Most Important Application)

Cerium Fluoride has its most critical application in the optics industry. Its low refractive index and high UV transmittance make it indispensable in the production of specialty optical glasses. In laser crystals, it is used in detector systems due to its scintillation properties.

6.2. Electronics and Semiconductor Industry

6.3. Defense Industry

6.4. Nanotechnology and Materials Science

Cerium Fluoride is an important intermediate product in CeO₂ (cerium oxide) production. High-purity CeF₃ is converted to CeO₂ through controlled oxidation processes.

6.5. Metallurgy and Alloy Production

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Cerium salt

• White fluoride crystal

• Optical additive

• Cerium fluoride powder

• Rare earth fluoride

• Tysonite (mineral name)

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Ce³⁺ + 3HF → CeF₃ ↓ + 3H⁺
or
Ce(OH)₃ + 3HF → CeF₃ ↓ + 3H₂O

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States, Russia, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNING: Cerium Fluoride contains fluoride ions; ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride toxicity. Chronic exposure may lead to fluoride accumulation in bones and teeth. Although cerium itself has low toxicity, the fluoride ion requires careful handling. It is toxic to aquatic organisms.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cerium Fluoride is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment must be prevented during transport. It must be labeled as a marine pollutant.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cerium Fluoride is registered in all major industrial markets including the EU, USA, China, and Japan. Registration is also required in Turkey under KKDİK. 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)

• Avoid contact with acids (may produce toxic HF gas)

• Keep away from food, drink, and animal feed

• Prevent release into the environment

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cerium Fluoride is not a flammable substance. In case of fire, toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form in the area where the material is present. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing must be used during fire-fighting.

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, then placed in an appropriate disposal container. Environmental release must be prevented, and waste disposed according to local regulations.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

SPECIAL NOTES:

• In case of ingestion, calcium gluconate or calcium lactate may be required (fluoride poisoning)

• Medical personnel should be informed about fluoride exposure

• Calcium metabolism may be affected due to fluoride ions

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 Fluoride (CeF₃, CAS 7758-88-5) is a white to off-white, odorless inorganic powder formed by the reaction of cerium with fluorine. It has a molecular weight of 197.11 g/mol, density of approximately 6.16 g/cm³, and melting point of ~1460°C. The compound has a hexagonal crystal structure, is insoluble in water but soluble in hot concentrated acids. As a rare earth compound, it exhibits high thermal stability.

Its most important application is in optical glass production, laser crystals, and precision optical filters. It is indispensable in specialized optical systems due to its UV transmittance control and low refractive loss properties. It is also used in electronic vacuum systems, semiconductor doping, defense optics, nanotechnology applications (as an intermediate in CeO₂ production), and metallurgy for cerium metal production.

According to GHS classification, it bears GHS07 (warning) and GHS09 (environment) hazard symbols. It is harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, and is toxic to aquatic life. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077 and is a marine pollutant. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Contact with strong acids must be avoided as toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas may form. Shelf life is 36 months.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE: Has GHS07 and GHS09 labels

• HARMFUL: Harmful if swallowed (H302)

• IRRITANT: Skin and eye irritation (H315, H319)

• RESPIRATORY: Respiratory tract irritation (H335)

• ENVIRONMENT: Toxic to aquatic life (H411)

• UN 3077: Environmentally hazardous substance

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated

• INCOMPATIBLE: Strong acids (produces HF gas)

• ECOTOXIC: Marine pollutant

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. Cerium Fluoride is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077 and is a marine pollutant. Release into the environment during transport and disposal must be strictly prevented.

2. Due to the presence of fluoride ions, ingestion or inhalation poses a risk of fluoride poisoning. Chronic exposure may lead to bone and dental fluorosis. Calcium metabolism may be affected.

3. Contact with acids must be strictly avoided. Reaction with strong mineral acids produces toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas. HF is an extremely toxic and corrosive gas.

4. High purity (99.9% - 99.999%) is required for optical and laser applications. Impurities directly affect optical performance (UV transmittance, refractive index, fluorescence).

5. Cerium Fluoride is an important intermediate product in CeO₂ (cerium oxide) production. High-purity CeF₃ is converted to CeO₂ through controlled oxidation.

6. Customs tariff code is 2846.00.00.00.19. Correct classification must be used for import and export operations.

7. Cerium Fluoride is not hygroscopic, which provides ease of storage and handling in humid environments. However, fluoride ion hydrolysis does not occur upon moisture exposure.

8. Use in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical sectors is prohibited or extremely limited. Fluoride ion toxicity makes it unsuitable for direct use in these sectors.

9. Commercial purity ranges from 99% to 99.999%. Technical grade should be preferred for metallurgical and ceramic applications, while high purity should be chosen for optical and electronic applications.

10. Cerium Fluoride is stable at high temperatures (melting point 1460°C). This property makes it ideal for high-temperature applications (glass production, laser crystal growth).

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 Fluoride. A detailed risk assessment should be conducted prior to use, particularly due to fluoride toxicity.