Cerous Nitrate

Name:
Cerous Nitrate
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	cerium nitrate
M Formula:	Ce(NO3)3•6H2O
Properties:
Colorless crystals, deliquescent. Mp loses 3H2O at 150C; bp (decomposes at 200C). Soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone.
Derivation:
Action of nitric acid on cerous carbonate.
Hazard:
Strong oxidizer, fire risk in contact with organic materials.
Use:
Separation of cerium from other rare earths, catalyst for hydrolysis of phosphoric acid esters.