Cerium Chloride, Cerium Trichloride, Cerous Chloride, 7790-86-5

Cerium Chloride, Cerium Trichloride, Cerous Chloride, 7790-86-5

CERIUM CHLORIDE (CECL₃)
CERIUM CHLORIDE / CERIUM TRICHLORIDE / CEROUS CHLORIDE / CERIUM(III) CHLORIDE
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Cerium chloride is the chloride salt of the rare earth element cerium. Cerium ions (Ce³⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) are present in a 1:3 ratio. Due to its hygroscopic nature, it is sensitive to degradation in humid environments. It exhibits high solubility in water and ethanol. It has a hexagonal crystal structure.

Structural Features:

                    CERIUM CHLORIDE [CeCl₃]
                          |
                Ce³⁺ - Cl⁻ Ionic Bonds
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Hexagonal         White-Yellow     Highly
    Crystal Structure  Crystalline     Hygroscopic

2.2. Structural Properties

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

4. PURITY GRADES

5. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

5.1. Chemical Reactions

• Thermal Decomposition (Hydrated Form):
  CeCl₃·xH₂O → CeCl₃ + xH₂O (~150°C)
  CeCl₃ + H₂O → CeOCl + 2HCl (hydrolysis at high temperature)

• Behavior in Aqueous Solution:
  CeCl₃(aq) → Ce³⁺(aq) + 3Cl⁻(aq)

• Precipitation with Alkali:
  CeCl₃ + 3NaOH → Ce(OH)₃↓ + 3NaCl

• Oxidation:
  CeCl₃ → CeCl₄ (oxidation with chlorine)

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Catalyst Applications

6.2. Materials Science and Cerium Oxide Production

6.3. Electronics and Optics

6.4. Research

6.5. Sectoral Suitability Table

7. PRODUCTION PROCESS

7.1. Alternative Production Method

7.2. Major Producing Countries

8. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS

9. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

9.1. GHS Classification

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

10. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

11. FIRST AID MEASURES

12. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

13. PACKAGING OPTIONS

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

15. REGULATORY STATUS

16. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

17. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

18. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Highly Hygroscopic Nature: Cerium chloride has a very high moisture absorption capacity. When exposed to air, it rapidly absorbs moisture, begins to dissolve, and loses its quality. Extreme care must be taken to avoid moisture during storage and handling.

• Thermal Decomposition: Above ~150°C, water loss begins; at higher temperatures, toxic hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas is released. Ventilation is essential.

• Oxidation: Cerium chloride can be oxidized from Ce³⁺ to Ce⁴⁺; this affects reactivity and chemical behavior.

• Incompatibility: Contact with strong oxidizing agents creates a fire and explosion risk.

• Eye and Skin Irritation: Due to its acidic nature, it causes irritation to skin and eyes. Protective equipment is mandatory during use.

• FDA/EFSA Status: Not suitable for direct food applications.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

  • Use moisture-proof, vacuum-sealed, or inert gas (N₂ or Ar) filled containers.

  • Keep away from oxidizing agents.

  • Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

• Handling:

  • Immediately close containers tightly when not in use.

  • Ensure a dry working environment during use (humidity control).

  • Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and chemically resistant gloves.

  • Avoid dust formation and inhalation.

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

  • When preparing solutions, add slowly due to acidic character.

• Waste Management:

  • Dispose of in accordance with local regulations as heavy metal waste.

  • Do not discharge into water sources or sewers.

  • For large quantities, rare earth recovery should be considered.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Cerium chloride requires careful handling and storage due to its highly hygroscopic nature and oxidation sensitivity; it is an important raw material for catalysts and cerium oxide production.