Cerium(IV) sulfate, with the chemical formula Ce(SO4)2, is an inorganic compound composed of the rare-earth metal cerium and sulfate ions (SO4)2-. It is part of a group of compounds known as cerium(IV) salts, where cerium is in its +4 oxidation state.

Properties of Cerium(IV) Sulfate:

• Appearance: Cerium(IV) sulfate is a pale yellow to white solid, depending on its purity and hydration state.
• Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water, and the resulting solution may be slightly acidic due to the hydrolysis of sulfate ions.

Preparation and Reactions: Cerium(IV) sulfate can be prepared by oxidizing cerium(III) sulfate with a strong oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide:

2 Ce(SO4)3 + H2O2 → Ce2(SO4)4 + 2 H2O

Like other cerium(IV) salts, cerium(IV) sulfate is relatively unstable and can be reduced to cerium(III) salts through various reactions.

Applications: Cerium(IV) sulfate itself does not have significant commercial applications due to its instability and limited stability in water. Instead, cerium(III) sulfate, Ce2(SO4)3, where cerium is in the +3 oxidation state, is the more commonly used cerium sulfate compound.

Safety Considerations: As with all chemicals, cerium(IV) sulfate 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.