Ceric ammonium nitrate, often abbreviated as CAN, is a chemical compound with the formula (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6. It is a bright orange-red crystalline solid and is widely used as an oxidizing agent in various organic reactions. The compound contains cerium in the +4 oxidation state, making it an excellent oxidizing agent for organic molecules.

CAN is commonly used in organic chemistry for reactions involving the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones. It is especially useful for converting primary alcohols to aldehydes and secondary alcohols to ketones. The reaction involves the transfer of oxygen from the ceric ion to the alcohol, resulting in the formation of the corresponding carbonyl compound.

The oxidation reaction with CAN usually proceeds as follows:

1. The alcohol reacts with the ceric ammonium nitrate to form an alkoxyammonium nitrate ester.
2. The alkoxyammonium nitrate ester undergoes rearrangement or elimination, leading to the formation of the carbonyl compound (aldehyde or ketone) and regenerating ceric ammonium nitrate.

It’s important to handle ceric ammonium nitrate with care as it is a strong oxidizing agent and can react vigorously with certain organic compounds. Proper safety precautions should be taken when working with this chemical.