Cerium Ammonium Nitrate

Rare Earth Nitrates

1. Basic Product Overview

Cer(IV)-Ammonium Nitrate, commonly abbreviated as CAN, is a key inorganic compound with the chemical formula (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆. It belongs to the class of cerium(IV) salts, characterized by its strong oxidizing properties and high solubility in polar solvents. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), CAN exists as a bright orange-red crystalline solid, often appearing as fine granules or powder. This distinct color is a result of the cerium(IV) ion (Ce⁴⁺), which exhibits intense absorption in the visible light spectrum—an attribute that simplifies its identification in laboratory and industrial settings.

CAN is commercially available in various grades, tailored to specific application needs. The most common grades include reagent grade, technical grade, and electronic grade. Reagent grade meets strict purity standards (typically ≥99.0%) for laboratory research, analytical chemistry, and small-scale synthesis; it undergoes rigorous purification to remove impurities like other rare earth metals (e.g., lanthanum, neodymium), heavy metals, and anions (e.g., chloride, sulfate) that could interfere with experimental results. Technical grade is designed for industrial use (purity ≥95.0%), where high precision is less critical but cost-effectiveness matters, making it widely used in surface treatment, catalyst production, and wastewater treatment. Electronic grade is a specialized grade with ultra-high purity (≥99.99%), engineered for the electronics industry to minimize trace contaminants and prevent defects in semiconductor manufacturing and thin-film deposition processes.

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

Understanding CAN’s properties is essential for safe handling and effective application, as they dictate its behavior in different environments.

Physical Properties

In terms of physical appearance, CAN presents as a bright orange-red crystalline solid, which may take the form of fine granules or powder. Its molecular weight is 548.22 g/mol, and it does not have a traditional melting point—instead, it decomposes at approximately 107°C, breaking down into cerium oxides and nitrides rather than melting. CAN exhibits high solubility in water, with a solubility of around 141 g per 100 mL of water at 20°C, and it is also soluble in polar organic solvents such as acetonitrile and methanol. The bulk density of its granular form is 1.87 g/cm³, and it has moderate hygroscopicity: it can absorb moisture from the air, leading to clumping if stored in improper conditions with high humidity.

Chemical Properties

The defining chemical trait of CAN is its strong oxidizing ability, attributed to the Ce⁴⁺ ion (standard reduction potential: Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺ = +1.61 V in 1 M HNO₃). This potential makes CAN a more potent oxidizer than common alternatives like potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) in acidic conditions, enabling it to oxidize a wide range of organic and inorganic substrates.

Key chemical behaviors of CAN include acid dependence, redox reactivity, and thermal decomposition. For acid dependence, CAN is stable only in acidic solutions with a pH below 2; in neutral or basic environments, Ce⁴⁺ hydrolyzes rapidly to form insoluble cerium(IV) hydroxides (e.g., CeO₂·nH₂O), which reduces its oxidizing efficacy. For this reason, CAN solutions are often prepared in dilute nitric acid (HNO₃) to maintain stability. In terms of redox reactions, when CAN reacts with reducing agents (such as alcohols, sulfides, or Fe²⁺ ions), the Ce⁴⁺ ion is reduced to the colorless Ce³⁺ ion. This color change—from the original orange-red to colorless—is widely used in titrimetric analysis to determine the concentration of reducing substances. Regarding thermal decomposition, CAN decomposes progressively when exposed to temperatures above 107°C: initial decomposition releases ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) fumes, followed by the formation of cerium(III) nitrate [Ce(NO₃)₃] and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) at higher temperatures (exceeding 200°C). When temperatures rise above 300°C, it finally decomposes into cerium oxide (CeO₂), a stable and inert product.

3. Manufacturing Process

The industrial production of CAN relies on the processing of rare earth ores, as cerium is one of the most abundant rare earth elements (accounting for ~50% of rare earth content in monazite and bastnäsite ores). The process typically involves four key steps.

Step 1: Ore Digestion

First, monazite or bastnäsite ore is crushed into fine particles and then treated with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) at a temperature range of 200–300°C. This “digestion” step converts insoluble Rare Earth Oxides in the ore into soluble Rare Earth Sulfates (e.g., Ce₂(SO₄)₃). During this process, impurities like silica (SiO₂) and thorium (Th, a radioactive element) are removed as precipitates, ensuring the resulting solution is enriched with rare earth sulfates.

Step 2: Cerium Oxidation

The resulting rare earth sulfate solution is adjusted to a neutral pH, which causes Rare Earth Hydroxides to precipitate out of the solution. This precipitate is then dissolved in nitric acid, forming a mixed rare earth nitrate solution that contains both Ce³⁺ ions and other trivalent rare earth ions. To convert Ce³⁺ to Ce⁴⁺—a critical step for CAN synthesis—an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or chlorine gas (Cl₂) is added to the solution under acidic conditions, ensuring the successful oxidation of cerium to the tetravalent state.

Step 3: Precipitation and Purification

Next, ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is added to the oxidized mixed rare earth nitrate solution. The Ce⁴⁺ ions react with NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions in the solution to form insoluble (NH₄)₂Ce(NO₃)₆ crystals, while other trivalent Rare Earth Nitrates remain dissolved in the solution. The CAN crystals are then separated from the solution via filtration and washed with cold water to remove any residual impurities that may be adhering to the crystal surface.

Step 4: Drying and Grading

The wet CAN crystals obtained from filtration are dried in a controlled environment, where the temperature is maintained between 40–60°C and the humidity is kept low to prevent clumping. After drying, the product is screened to achieve the desired particle size (for example, 100–200 mesh for reagent grade) and then packaged according to the specific specifications of each grade (reagent, technical, or electronic grade) to ensure it meets the requirements of its intended application.

4. Key Applications

CAN’s unique combination of strong oxidizing power, solubility, and stability in acidic conditions makes it indispensable across multiple industries.

4.1 Organic Synthesis

In organic chemistry, CAN is a versatile oxidizing agent used in countless reactions. One of its primary uses is alcohol oxidation: it can convert primary alcohols to aldehydes and secondary alcohols to ketones (e.g., oxidizing benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde). Unlike harsh oxidizers like CrO₃, CAN operates under mild conditions (room temperature, neutral to acidic pH) and produces minimal toxic waste, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. It also facilitates C-C bond formation, such as the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones via the oxidation of enol ethers. Additionally, CAN is used in heterocycle synthesis, helping to prepare heterocyclic compounds like quinones and indoles—key building blocks for pharmaceuticals.

4.2 Analytical Chemistry

CAN is a standard reagent in redox titrations (known as “cerimetry”) due to its sharp color endpoint, which allows for accurate quantification of target substances. It is commonly used to determine the concentration of reducing agents (e.g., Fe²⁺, As³⁺, sulfites) in environmental samples such as wastewater and soil, helping to assess environmental pollution levels. It also plays a role in analyzing organic compounds: for example, it can oxidize functional groups like hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH₂) to quantify substances such as ascorbic acid in food supplements and ethanol in beverages, ensuring product quality and compliance with standards.

4.3 Materials Science

In materials science, CAN serves as a precursor for cerium-based catalysts, which are widely used in automotive exhaust systems to reduce NOₓ emissions and in industrial processes like the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons, improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It is also used in surface treatment: it can etch metals (e.g., aluminum, copper) and semiconductors (e.g., silicon) by oxidizing their surface layers, which improves the adhesion of coatings and adhesives to these materials, enhancing the durability and performance of finished products. Furthermore, CAN is involved in ceramic synthesis: when decomposed, it produces high-purity CeO₂, which is used in ceramic glazes (for its white pigment properties) and solid oxide fuel cells (as an electrolyte component), contributing to the development of advanced ceramic and energy storage technologies.

4.4 Other Applications

Beyond the above fields, CAN is used in wastewater treatment: it can oxidize toxic organic pollutants (e.g., phenols, dyes) and convert heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr³⁺ to Cr⁶⁺, which is easier to precipitate and remove from water), helping to purify wastewater and protect water resources. It also has applications in electroplating: it acts as an oxidizing additive in electroplating baths, improving the uniformity and hardness of metal coatings (e.g., nickel, chromium) on substrates, enhancing the corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal of plated products.

5. Safety and Handling

Due to its oxidizing properties and potential toxicity, proper safety measures are critical when working with CAN.

Hazards

CAN poses several hazards that users must be aware of. First, it has an oxidizing hazard: it can accelerate the combustion of flammable materials (e.g., paper, solvents) and may even cause spontaneous ignition if mixed with concentrated organic fuels, increasing the risk of fires. Second, it has toxicity: inhalation of CAN dust or ingestion of the compound can cause irritation to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, leading to symptoms like coughing, nausea, or abdominal pain. Additionally, Ce⁴⁺ ions can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged contact with the skin may result in chemical burns, which can be painful and require medical treatment. Third, it presents a thermal hazard: when decomposed at high temperatures, it releases toxic NOₓ fumes, which are irritating to the lungs and can cause respiratory distress if inhaled in large quantities.

Safe Handling Guidelines

To minimize these hazards, several safe handling guidelines should be followed. First, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn: this includes nitrile gloves (which are chemical-resistant to protect the hands), safety goggles (to shield the eyes from dust or splashes), a lab coat (to prevent contact with clothing), and a dust mask (when handling dry powder to avoid inhaling dust particles). Second, regarding storage, CAN should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials, reducing agents, and strong bases—these substances can react with CAN and pose risks. Airtight containers should be used to store the compound to prevent hygroscopic clumping and moisture absorption, which can affect its stability and performance. Third, during handling, it is important to avoid generating dust; when preparing solutions, a fume hood should be used to contain any fumes or dust that may be released. Mixing CAN with organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol) in large quantities should be avoided, as this can cause exothermic reactions that may lead to overheating or other hazards. Fourth, in the case of spills, proper spill response is essential: for dry spills, the powder should be swept up carefully and disposed of in a labeled hazardous waste container, ensuring it does not contaminate other materials. For liquid spills, the solution should be neutralized with a dilute reducing agent (e.g., sodium bisulfite) before cleaning, and care should be taken to avoid runoff into drains, which can cause environmental pollution. Fifth, first aid measures should be known: in case of skin or eye contact, the affected area should be rinsed with plenty of water for 15 minutes to reduce irritation or damage. If CAN is inhaled, the affected person should be moved to fresh air immediately, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist. If ingested, vomiting should not be induced—immediate medical help should be sought to ensure proper treatment.

6. Storage and Shelf Life

For optimal storage of CAN, specific conditions should be maintained: the temperature should be kept between 15–25°C, and the relative humidity should be below 50%. Exposure to heat (temperatures above 30°C) or moisture can reduce the compound’s stability, leading to clumping or partial decomposition, which affects its purity and performance.

In terms of shelf life, when stored properly, reagent-grade CAN has a shelf life of 2–3 years, while technical grade has a shorter shelf life of 1–2 years. Expired CAN may show signs of reduced oxidizing activity, which is often indicated by a faded orange color (the original bright orange-red hue becomes dull). Before using expired CAN, it should be tested to ensure it still meets the required performance standards for its intended application; if not, it should be disposed of safely according to hazardous waste regulations.

Descriptive:  WNX employs advanced automated production technology and uses high-quality raw materials to produce high-qualityCerium Ammonium Nitrate.

Key Features:

High Purity:Cerium Ammonium Nitrate contains no impurities from rare earth elements (such as iron, calcium, sodium), and the impurity content is low.

Good Solubility:Cerium Ammonium Nitrate can dissolve rapidly in water and strong acids.

Consistency: The strict batch management in the production ofCerium Ammonium Nitrate

ensures stable quality for industrial large-scale production.

Chemical industrial catalyst: As a powerful single-electron oxidant (Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺), ammonium cerium nitrate is widely used in organic synthesis. It can oxidize various functional groups, such as alcohols, phenols, ethers, and benzyl C-H bonds. It can catalyze the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds like quinolines and is used in olefin polymerization reactions. Its oxidizing ability under acidic conditions is even superior to chlorine gas (Cl₂), and the reaction process can be intuitively judged by the color change of the solution from orange-red to pale yellow.

Pond Phosphate Remover: Based on its chemical properties, ammonium cerium nitrate can theoretically remove phosphate from water by forming a precipitate through the interaction of cerium ions and phosphate ions. This can help alleviate the problem of eutrophication. However, there are relatively limited application cases and in-depth studies in large-scale water treatment.

Batteries and energy materials: Cerium ammonium nitrate can be used as a precursor to prepare cerium-based components for fuel cell-related materials and energy storage devices, and has certain potential in the development of new energy technologies.

Chemical synthetic intermediates: As an important cerium source, ammonium cerium nitrate is a commonly used starting material for synthesizing other cerium compounds (such as cerium oxide). It can also be used as an effective deprotection reagent to remove protecting groups such as p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) from alcohols.

1.Neutral labels/packaging (jumbo bag of 1.000kg each net),Two bags per pallet.

2.Vacuum-sealed, then wrapped in air cushion bags, and finally packed into iron drums.

Drum: Steel drums (open-top, 45L capacity, dimensions: φ365mm × 460mm / inner diameter × outer height).

Weight per Drum: 50 kg

Palletization: 18 drums per pallet (total 900 kg/pallet).

Transport Class: Maritime transportation / Air transportation

Custom packaging available upon request