Cerium Bromide, Cerous Bromide, Cerium (III) Bromide, 14457-87-5

CERIUM BROMIDE (CERIUM(III) BROMIDE) 

Chemical Name: Cerium(III) Bromide / Cerium Tribromide
CAS Number: 14457-87-5
EC Number: 238-447-0
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cerium Bromide (CeBr₃) is the bromide salt of cerium in the +3 oxidation state. The anhydrous form adopts a hexagonal UCl₃-type crystal structure, where each Ce³⁺ ion is 9-coordinate in a tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry . The compound is highly hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture from air, forming hydrated species. High-purity anhydrous Cerium Bromide is of significant interest as a component of scintillation counters for gamma-ray spectroscopy due to its excellent energy resolution, fast decay time, and extremely low intrinsic background .

Structural Features:

• Hexagonal UCl₃-type crystal structure (space group P6₃/m)

• 9-coordinate Ce³⁺ ions in tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry

• Highly hygroscopic

• Soluble in water and alcohol

• Self-activated by Ce³⁺ ion (no dopant required)

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cerium Bromide is a highly hygroscopic, white to pale gray crystalline solid with a density of 5.10-5.23 g/cm³ and a melting point of 722-733°C . It is soluble in water. For scintillation applications, it offers exceptional properties: ~60,000 photons/MeV light yield, 18-25 ns decay time, and 3.8-4% energy resolution at 662 keV . A key advantage is its extremely low intrinsic background (≤0.002 c/s/cm³ from Ac-227 complex) and absence of lanthanum-138 background found in lanthanum halide scintillators .

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cerium Bromide is soluble in water and polar organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cerium Bromide is a typical rare earth halide. Its highly hygroscopic nature requires handling and storage under inert atmosphere. Hydrated forms, when heated, may undergo hydrolysis to form cerium oxybromide (CeOBr) . Dehydration of the hydrated salt to anhydrous form is challenging and can be achieved by heating with ammonium bromide (NH₄Br) under dynamic vacuum .

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Cerium Bromide is available in various grades from technical to high purity (≥ 99.9% - 99.99%) . High purity grades are essential for scintillation applications where trace impurities directly affect light yield and energy resolution. Ultra dry grades with water content <0.1% are available for moisture-sensitive applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Scintillation Crystals and Radiation Detection (Most Important Application)

Cerium Bromide is a state-of-the-art scintillation detector material for gamma-ray spectroscopy. It delivers 4% energy resolution at 662 keV compared to ~7% for NaI(Tl), and 3% at 1332 keV compared to 5.5% for NaI(Tl) . The material is self-activated by Ce³⁺ ions, requiring no dopant. A key advantage is the absence of ¹³⁸La intrinsic background, making CeBr₃ superior to LaBr₃(Ce) for low-background applications .

6.2. Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

6.3. Vacuum Systems and Coatings

6.4. Research and Laboratory Applications

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Cerium salt

• Cerium tribromide

• White bromide crystal

• Scintillation additive

• Cerium bromide powder

• Cerous bromide

• Rare earth bromide

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equations:

Acid Dissolution:
Ce₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O + 6HBr → 2CeBr₃ + 3CO₂↑ + (x+3)H₂O

Dehydration (NH₄Br Method):
CeBr₃·6H₂O + NH₄Br → NH₄CeBr₄·xH₂O → CeBr₃ + NH₄Br↑ + H₂O↑

Production Types: Technical, high purity, and ultra dry grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.99%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Cerium Bromide causes skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and may cause respiratory irritation . Due to its highly hygroscopic nature, it must be handled under inert atmosphere. Aqueous solutions may cause irritation upon skin and eye contact. Chronic exposure to cerium salts may increase blood coagulation rate and cause skin lesions . Not classified as a carcinogen.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cerium Bromide is not classified as dangerous goods for transport . Due to moisture sensitivity, shipping must be in sealed ampoules or airtight containers under inert atmosphere.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cerium Bromide is registered in all major industrial markets. 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:

• CRITICAL: This compound is highly hygroscopic and must be handled under inert atmosphere

• Use a glove bag or dry box for all handling operations

• Use airtight, moisture-proof containers after opening

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

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

• Store under nitrogen or argon

• Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hood

• For scintillation applications, crystals are delivered hermetically sealed

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cerium Bromide is not a flammable substance. In case of fire, protective clothing and SCBA must be used. Thermal decomposition may release toxic hydrobromic acid fumes and cerium oxides.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Clean up using dry methods under inert atmosphere to prevent decomposition.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Bromide salts are generally of low acute toxicity

• Medical personnel should be informed about bromide salt exposure

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

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 Bromide (CeBr₃, CAS 14457-87-5) is a white to pale gray, highly hygroscopic crystalline solid. It is the bromide salt of cerium in the +3 oxidation state with a molecular weight of 379.83 g/mol. The compound has a melting point of 722-733°C, density of 5.10-5.23 g/cm³, and is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It adopts a hexagonal UCl₃-type crystal structure.

Its most important application is as a scintillation detector for gamma-ray spectroscopy. CeBr₃ delivers 3.8-4% energy resolution at 662 keV, ~60,000 photons/MeV light yield, and 18-25 ns decay time . A key advantage is the absence of intrinsic ¹³⁸La background found in lanthanum halide scintillators, making it ideal for low-background applications such as nuclear non-proliferation, environmental monitoring, and space missions . It is also used as a Lewis acid catalyst and chemical reagent in organic synthesis.

The compound is classified as GHS07 (Warning) with H315, H319, and H335 hazard statements . It is not classified as dangerous goods for transport. Due to its highly hygroscopic nature, it must be handled and stored under inert atmosphere (nitrogen/argon) in airtight containers .

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation (H315, H319, H335) 

• HIGHLY HYGROSCOPIC: Must be stored under inert atmosphere 

• TRANSPORT: Not dangerous goods

• STORAGE: Inert atmosphere, airtight, 2-8°C 

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. SCINTILLATION PERFORMANCE: CeBr₃ is a state-of-the-art scintillator with exceptional energy resolution (4% FWHM at 662 keV), fast decay time (18-25 ns), and high light yield (~60,000 photons/MeV). It outperforms NaI(Tl) and offers no intrinsic ¹³⁸La background, making it superior to LaBr₃(Ce) for low-background applications .

2. HIGHLY HYGROSCOPIC: Cerium Bromide is highly hygroscopic and must be handled under inert atmosphere. Scintillation crystals are delivered in hermetically sealed housings to prevent moisture damage .

3. DEHYDRATION CHALLENGE: Dehydration of hydrated CeBr₃ to anhydrous form is challenging due to hydrolysis. NH₄Br-assisted methods under dynamic vacuum are required .

4. NO LANTHANUM BACKGROUND: CeBr₃ contains no lanthanum and therefore carries no La-138 signature. This provides clean spectral baselines and precise isotope identification, especially in the 1.4-2.2 MeV range .

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

6. HANDLING: All handling operations must be performed under inert atmosphere using glove bag or dry box. Containers must be opened only in dry environments and resealed immediately .

7. STORAGE: Store locked up in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. Store under inert gas at 2-8°C .

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 Bromide. For scintillation applications, high purity and moisture control are critical.