Cerium Carbonate Hydrate, Cerous Carbonate Hydrate, 54451-25-1

CERIUM CARBONATE HYDRATE (CERIUM(III) CARBONATE) 

Chemical Name: Cerium(III) Carbonate Hydrate
CAS Number: 54451-25-1
EC Number: 611-348-8
UN Number: 3077 (Environmentally hazardous substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2836.99.00.00

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cerium Carbonate Hydrate (Ce₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O) is the carbonate salt of cerium in the +3 oxidation state, containing variable amounts of water of crystallization. It is a white to slightly yellowish, water-insoluble powder that readily dissolves in acids. Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element with unique catalytic and optical properties. Cerium Carbonate is a key precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) production and is used in automotive catalytic converters, optical glass production, electronic applications, and nanotechnology.

Structural Features:

• Insoluble in water

• Readily dissolves in acids

• White to yellowish appearance

• Thermal decomposition yields CeO₂

• Key precursor for cerium-based catalytic and optical materials

• Hydrated form with variable water content

• Cerium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cerium Carbonate Hydrate is a white to slightly yellowish, odorless powder with a density of approximately 3.5-4 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to cerium oxide (CeO₂) with the release of carbon dioxide. Cerium compounds are known for their exceptional catalytic properties, particularly in automotive emissions control.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cerium Carbonate is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It readily dissolves in dilute acids, forming the corresponding cerium(III) salts. This solubility profile makes it useful as a precursor for various cerium compounds.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cerium Carbonate is a typical rare earth carbonate with unique redox properties. Upon heating, it decomposes to cerium oxide (CeO₂). Cerium can exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states, giving it exceptional catalytic properties, particularly in automotive emissions control systems where it stores and releases oxygen.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Thermal Decomposition:
Ce₂(CO₃)₃ → 2CeO₂ + 3CO₂↑ (~300-700°C)

Acid Dissolution:
Ce₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HCl → 2CeCl₃ + 3CO₂↑ + 3H₂O

Precipitation Reaction:
2Ce³⁺ + 3CO₃²⁻ → Ce₂(CO₃)₃ ↓

Oxidation:
Ce₂(CO₃)₃ + O₂ → 2CeO₂ + 3CO₂ (at elevated temperature)

5. SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL AND HIGH PURITY)

Cerium Carbonate is available in various grades from technical (≥ 99%) to high purity (≥ 99.99%). 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 Carbonate is the primary precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) production. Upon heating, it decomposes to CeO₂, which is essential for automotive catalytic converters, optical glass, polishing agents, and ceramic applications.

6.2. Catalyst Applications (Critical Application)

Cerium is critical for automotive catalytic converters where it provides oxygen storage capacity, enabling efficient conversion of harmful emissions (CO, NOx, hydrocarbons).

6.3. Optical and Glass Applications

Cerium is used in optical glass production for UV transmittance control and in glass polishing applications where cerium oxide is the primary abrasive.

6.4. Electronics and Vacuum Systems

6.5. Nanotechnology

6.6. Defense and Specialty Optics

7. ALTERNATIVE / EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS

8. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

9. COMMON NAMES

• Cerium carbonate

• Cerous carbonate

• White carbonate powder

• Optical additive

• Cerium salt

• Cerium tricarbonate hydrate

• Rare earth carbonate

• Catalyst precursor carbonate

10. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
2CeCl₃ + 3Na₂CO₃ → Ce₂(CO₃)₃ + 6NaCl

Production Types: Technical and high purity grades

Major Producing Countries: China, India, United States

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 99% to 99.99%

11. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Cerium Carbonate may cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory tract irritation. It is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Environmental release must be prevented. Cerium compounds are generally considered of low toxicity but should be handled with appropriate precautions.

12. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cerium Carbonate is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077.

13. REGULATORY INFORMATION

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

14. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

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

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Keep away from acids

• Prevent environmental release

• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area

15. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cerium Carbonate is not flammable. Thermal decomposition may release CO₂.

16. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Environmental release must be prevented.

17. FIRST AID MEASURES

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 Carbonate Hydrate (Ce₂(CO₃)₃·xH₂O, CAS 54451-25-1) is a white to slightly yellowish powder with a molecular weight of approximately 460 g/mol (varies with hydration) and density of ~3.5-4 g/cm³. It is insoluble in water but readily dissolves in acids. Thermal decomposition yields cerium oxide (CeO₂). Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element with unique catalytic and optical properties.

Its most important application is as a precursor for cerium oxide (CeO₂) used in automotive catalytic converters for emissions control, optical glass production, glass polishing (CMP), and catalyst applications. Cerium's redox properties (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺) make it critical for oxygen storage in three-way catalysts. It is also used in nanotechnology, electronic applications, and defense optics.

The compound is classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. It may cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Storage should be in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from acids. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS: UN 3077

• IRRITANT: Skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation

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

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

• CATALYTIC PROPERTIES: Critical for emissions control applications

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. AUTOMOTIVE CATALYST CRITICALITY: Cerium is essential for three-way catalytic converters where it provides oxygen storage capacity through the Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ redox cycle. This enables efficient conversion of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbons in automotive emissions.

2. REDOX PROPERTIES: Cerium's ability to exist in both +3 and +4 oxidation states gives it exceptional catalytic properties. This oxygen storage and release capacity is critical for emissions control applications.

3. UN 3077 CLASSIFICATION: Classified as an environmentally hazardous substance under UN 3077. Release into the environment during transport, storage, or disposal must be strictly prevented. It is listed as a marine pollutant.

4. CeO₂ PRECURSOR: This compound is the primary precursor for cerium oxide production. The quality of the carbonate directly affects the catalytic and optical properties of the final CeO₂ product.

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

6. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2836.99.00.00.

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

8. OPTICAL PROPERTIES: Cerium carbonate is used in optical glass production for UV transmittance control and refractive index stabilization, making it valuable for specialty optical applications.

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 Carbonate Hydrate.