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Cerium(III) chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
CeCl3
CAS number
7790-86-5
IUPAC name
cerium(3+);trichloride
State
State

At room temperature, cerium(III) chloride is in a solid state. The compound can be crystalline and is often handled in powder or granular form.

Melting point (Celsius)
817.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 090.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 727.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
2 000.00
General information
Molecular weight
246.48g/mol
Molar mass
246.4810g/mol
Density
3.9700g/cm3
Appearence

Cerium(III) chloride is typically available as a white or off-white solid. It can be found in an anhydrous form as well as in hydrated crystalline forms, such as the heptahydrate, which can appear as pale pink or colorless crystals. The color can vary slightly due to impurities or hydration levels.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Cerium(III) Chloride

Cerium(III) chloride, denoted as CeCl3, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are essential to understand in various chemical contexts.

Solubility in Water

Cerium(III) chloride is known to be soluble in water. Its solubility can be attributed to the ionic nature of the compound, which allows it to dissociate into cerium ions (Ce3+) and chloride ions (Cl-) when dissolved. The typical solubility behavior can be summarized as follows:

  • At room temperature, cerium(III) chloride can dissolve significantly, often reaching solubility levels of around 67 g/L.
  • As the temperature increases, the solubility tends to rise further, making it easier to prepare concentrated solutions.

Factors Affecting Solubility

Several factors influence the solubility of CeCl3 in water:

  • Temperature: Higher temperatures generally enhance solubility.
  • Concentration of other ions: The presence of competing ions can alter the solubility dynamics.
  • pH levels: While the solubility of CeCl3 itself is relatively unaffected by pH, subsequent reactions with other chemical species may be influenced by the acidity or basicity of the solution.

Solubility in Organic Solvents

In terms of organic solvents, cerium(III) chloride shows limited solubility. This limitation can be ascribed to the polar nature of the compound, which makes it less compatible with nonpolar solvents commonly used in organic chemistry.

Overall, the solubility of cerium(III) chloride is a vital consideration for its applications in chemical processes, and understanding this principle can facilitate the effective use of this compound in various scientific fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Cerium(III) Chloride

Cerium(III) chloride, often denoted as CeCl3, is a fascinating compound with a variety of intriguing properties and applications:

  • Source of Cerium: Cerium is one of the most abundant rare earth elements, typically found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. This makes CeCl3 an accessible compound for research and industrial uses.
  • Catalytic Properties: Cerium(III) chloride is known for its role as a catalyst in various chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis. It can facilitate processes like Friedel-Crafts acylation and alkylation.
  • Reducing Agent: This compound is utilized as a reducing agent in some analytical chemistry methods, aiding in the transformation of various chemical species for detection and analysis.
  • Green Chemistry: With a focus on environmentally friendly chemistry, CeCl3 is often used in reactions that aim to minimize waste and improve the sustainability of chemical processes.
  • Material Science: In material science, cerium(III) chloride plays a role in the synthesis of cerium oxide nanostructures, which are invaluable in photonic devices and catalysis.

Given its versatile applications, cerium(III) chloride is more than just a compound; it's a significant player in both academic research and practical industries. As researchers continue to explore its potential, we may uncover even more exciting uses for this rare earth compound.

Synonyms
cerium(3+);trichloride
Cerium(III)chloride
Cerium-144 chloride
cerium-chloride
Cerium chloride
CERIUM(III) CHLORIDE ANHYDROUS
cerous(III)-chloride
cerium (III) chloride
cerous (III) chloride
Cerium chloride, labeled with cerium-144
Cerium Chloride Anhydrous
AKOS015833126
15785-07-6
39290-87-4
779008-60-5
BP-30195
FC158261
C2058
NS00082685
D78199