Ce3

Ce3 is the designation used in inorganic chemistry to denote cerium in the +3 oxidation state, formally the cerium(III) ion Ce3+. This oxidation state is common in many cerium compounds and in reducing environments. In solution, Ce3+ exists as the aquated ion and participates in redox chemistry with Ce4+.

Ce3+ occurs in a range of salts and oxides, including cerium(III) chloride CeCl3, cerium(III) nitrate Ce(NO3)3, cerium(III) oxide Ce2O3, and various phosphates such as CePO4. In solid materials, Ce3+ centers are found in doped ceramics and phosphors, where they influence electronic and optical properties. Cerium is a lanthanide that cycles between Ce3+ and Ce4+ in many applications, with Ce4+ being the higher oxidation state.

Chemically, Ce3+ is a reducing agent, readily oxidized to Ce4+; the Ce4+/Ce3+ couple is central to ceria chemistry and its role in oxygen storage and redox catalysis. Ce3+ centers contribute to luminescence in doped hosts and to the catalytic activity of cerium-containing materials through cycling between Ce3+ and Ce4+. This redox flexibility underpins many industrial uses of cerium, including catalysts in automotive exhaust treatment and various oxidation-reduction processes in chemical synthesis and environmental remediation.

Handling and stability: Ce3+ salts can be oxidized by common oxidants, including atmospheric oxygen, to Ce4+. Consequently, maintaining Ce3+ in some contexts may require reducing conditions or stabilizing ligands. The symbol Ce3 is most often encountered to denote cerium in the +3 oxidation state within chemical formulas and discussions.