Cerium nitrate hexahydrate

Cerium nitrate hexahydrate (CAS 10294-41-4), systematic name cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO₃)₃·6H₂O), is a water-soluble rare earth salt; achromatic crystalline granules.

Where is Cerium nitrate hexahydrate used?

• Catalyst manufacturing: primary aqueous-phase precursor for cerium–zirconium mixed-oxide washcoats in automotive exhaust aftertreatment
• Coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers: chromate-replacement corrosion inhibitor and precursor for cerium-based pigments
• Conversion coating formulations for aluminium alloys and galvanised steel substrates, offering hexavalent-chromium-free surface protection
• CeO₂ nanoparticle and nanoceria synthesis: preferred starting material owing to high solubility and consistent stoichiometry
• Ceramic and glass: cerium-derived intermediates for polishing compounds and refractive-index modifiers
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare: active ingredient in topical burn-treatment formulations
• Home care and industrial cleaning formulations employ cerium salts as catalytic bleach activators and oxidation promoters.

Good to know: Classified as an oxidising solid (UN transport class 5.1); hygroscopic, keep in sealed containers away from moisture and combustible materials. A related anhydrous form (CAS 10108-73-3) is available where water-free processing is required.

Commercial specifications

• Purity grades 99 % to 99.99 % on a rare earth oxide basis (CeO₂/TREO)
• TREO content of the hexahydrate salt typically 45–46 %
• High-purity lots at 99.95 % and 99.99 % CeO₂/TREO for research, fine-chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical-grade applications; 99 % and 99.5 % grades for broader industrial demand
• Packaging: 10 kg and 50 kg drums for industrial volumes; laboratory bottles for smaller or high-purity consignments