cerium trinitrate

Physical properties

Hexahydrate is a colorless crystal; hygroscopic; loses water on heating— three molecules of water of crystallization expelled at 150°C; decomposes at 200°C; readily dissolves in water, alcohol, and acetone.

The Uses of cerium trinitrate

Cerium trinitrate is used for separation of Ce from other rare earths; catalyst in hydrolysis of phosphoric acid esters; mixture with Th(NO3)4 (1:99) formerly used in manufacture of incandescent mantles.

Preparation

Cerium(III) nitrate may be prepared by the action of nitric acid on a cerium(III) salt, followed by crystallization:
Ce₂(CO₃)₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Ce(NO₃)₃ + 3CO₂ + 3H₂O.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Safety Profile

Poison by intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion. Experimental reproductive effects. See also CERIUM COMPOUNDS and NITRATES. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.