Cerium(III) hydroxide, with the chemical formula Ce(OH)3, is an inorganic compound composed of the rare-earth metal cerium and hydroxide ions (OH-). It is part of a group of compounds known as cerium(III) salts, where cerium is in its +3 oxidation state.

Properties of Cerium(III) Hydroxide:

• Appearance: Cerium(III) hydroxide is a white or light yellow solid, depending on its purity and hydration state.
• Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water and tends to form colloidal suspensions.
• Stability: Cerium(III) hydroxide is unstable in aqueous solutions and can undergo hydrolysis to form basic cerium(III) salts.

Formation and Reactions: Cerium(III) hydroxide can be formed by the reaction of a cerium(III) salt, such as cerium(III) chloride or cerium(III) nitrate, with a base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

Ce(NO3)3 + 3NaOH → Ce(OH)3 + 3NaNO3

Cerium(III) hydroxide can further react with acids or additional hydroxide ions to form different cerium(III) compounds, depending on the conditions and the presence of other species in the reaction mixture.

Applications: Cerium(III) hydroxide itself does not have significant commercial applications, but it can serve as an intermediate compound in the synthesis of other cerium(III) salts or cerium-based materials with specific properties. Cerium-based materials are used in various applications, such as catalysts, glass manufacturing, and scintillators, due to their unique optical and electronic properties.

Safety Considerations: As with all chemicals, cerium(III) hydroxide should be handled with care, and safety precautions should be followed. It is essential to consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific safety information.