Cerium Hydroxide, Cerium Tetrahydroxide, Cerium Hydrate, 12014-56-1

CERIUM HYDROXIDE (CERIUM(IV) HYDROXIDE) 

Chemical Name: Cerium(IV) Hydroxide / Cerium Tetrahydroxide
CAS Number: 12014-56-1
EC Number: 234-599-7
UN Number: 3262 (Corrosive solid, basic, inorganic)
Customs Tariff Code: 2846.10.20.00 (Rare earth hydroxides)

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cerium Hydroxide (Ce(OH)₄) is the hydroxide salt of cerium in the +4 oxidation state. It appears as a yellowish to light brown, amorphous powder or crystalline mass. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in strong mineral acids. Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element with unique redox properties (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺). Cerium Hydroxide is an important precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) production and is widely used in automotive catalytic converters, optical materials, glass polishing powders, and nanotechnology.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Dissolves in strong mineral acids

• Yellowish-brown appearance

• Thermal decomposition yields CeO₂

• Key precursor for cerium-based catalytic and optical materials

• Cerium in +4 oxidation state (Ce⁴⁺)

• Not hygroscopic

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cerium Hydroxide is a yellowish to light brown, odorless, amorphous powder or crystalline mass with a density of approximately 4.5-5 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in strong mineral acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to cerium oxide (CeO₂). Due to the Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ redox couple, it exhibits high oxygen storage capacity, making it valuable for catalytic applications.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cerium Hydroxide is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It dissolves in strong mineral acids, forming the corresponding cerium(IV) salts. It is slightly soluble in dilute acids.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cerium Hydroxide is a typical basic hydroxide. Upon heating, it decomposes to cerium oxide (CeO₂). Due to the Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ redox couple, it has oxygen storage and release capacity, a property critical for automotive catalytic converters. It dissolves in strong mineral acids to form cerium(IV) salts.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Thermal Decomposition:
Ce(OH)₄ → CeO₂ + 2H₂O ↑ (~300-700°C)

Acid Dissolution:
Ce(OH)₄ + 4HCl → CeCl₄ + 4H₂O

Redox Reaction (Reduction):
Ce(OH)₄ + e⁻ → Ce(OH)₃ + OH⁻

Precipitation Reaction:
Ce⁴⁺ + 4OH⁻ → Ce(OH)₄ ↓

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Cerium Hydroxide is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.999%). High purity grades are essential for optical, catalytic, and electronic applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Cerium Oxide (CeO₂) Production (Most Important Application)

Cerium Hydroxide is the most important precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to CeO₂, which is essential for automotive catalytic converters, optical glass, glass polishing powders, and ceramic applications.

6.2. Catalyst Applications (Critical Application)

Cerium's redox properties (Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺) provide critical oxygen storage capacity for automotive catalytic converters.

6.3. Glass Polishing and Optical Applications

6.4. Electronics and Semiconductor Applications

6.5. Nanotechnology

6.6. Defense and Advanced Ceramics

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Cerium hydrate

• Cerium hydroxide

• Yellowish rare earth powder

• Cerium salt

• Cerium tetrahydroxide

• Ce(OH)₄

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Ce³⁺ → Ce⁴⁺ + e⁻ (oxidation)
Ce⁴⁺ + 4OH⁻ → Ce(OH)₄ ↓

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.999%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Cerium Hydroxide is classified as a corrosive substance (UN 3262) . It causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing) must be used. While cerium compounds are generally of low toxicity, the basic and corrosive nature requires careful handling.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cerium Hydroxide is classified as a corrosive substance (UN 3262, Class 8) . Proper packaging and labeling are required for transport.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cerium Hydroxide is registered in all major industrial markets. KKDİK registration is required for use in Turkey.

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• CRITICAL: This compound is corrosive (UN 3262). Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

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

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Keep away from strong acids and reducing agents

• Prevent environmental release

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cerium Hydroxide is not flammable. Thermal decomposition may release water vapor.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Due to its corrosive nature, careful cleaning is required.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Cerium Hydroxide is corrosive; skin and eye contact may cause severe burns

• Medical personnel should be informed about corrosive substance 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 Hydroxide (Ce(OH)₄, CAS 12014-56-1) is a yellowish to light brown, amorphous powder or crystalline mass with a molecular weight of 208.14 g/mol and density of approximately 4.5-5 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in strong mineral acids. Thermal decomposition yields cerium oxide (CeO₂). The Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ redox couple provides high oxygen storage capacity.

Its most important application is as a precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) used in automotive catalytic converters, optical glass, glass polishing powders (CMP), and catalyst applications. Cerium's redox properties make it critical for oxygen storage in three-way catalysts. It is also used in glass polishing, optical coatings, electronics, and nanotechnology.

The compound is classified as corrosive (UN 3262, Class 8) . It causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from strong acids and reducing agents. Not hygroscopic. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• CORROSIVE: UN 3262, Class 8, Packing Group III

• SKIN BURNS: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314)

• STORAGE: Cool, dry, well-ventilated, away from acids and reducing agents

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Protective clothing, gloves, safety goggles

• REDOX PROPERTIES: Oxygen storage capacity (Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺)

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. CORROSIVE SUBSTANCE (UN 3262): Cerium Hydroxide is classified as a corrosive substance (UN 3262, Class 8). Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage. Appropriate PPE is mandatory.

2. AUTOMOTIVE CATALYST CRITICALITY: Cerium provides oxygen storage capacity in three-way catalytic converters through the Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ redox cycle, enabling efficient conversion of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons.

3. REDOX PROPERTIES: Cerium's ability to exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states provides exceptional catalytic properties. Ce(OH)₄ is produced through oxidation of Ce³⁺ salts.

4. CMP APPLICATIONS: Cerium oxide derived from Cerium Hydroxide is used in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurries for semiconductor manufacturing, requiring high purity and controlled particle size.

5. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2846.10.20.00 (Rare earth hydroxides).

6. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications.

7. NOT HYGROSCOPIC: Non-hygroscopic nature provides storage and handling advantages compared to some other hydroxides.

8. Ce⁴⁺ STABILITY: Cerium(IV) hydroxide is less stable than cerium(III) hydroxide and tends to reduce. Keep away from reducing agents during storage.

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. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Cerium Hydroxide.