Ceric

Ceric is an adjective used in chemistry to refer to compounds containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state (Ce4+). It is the counterpart of cerous, which denotes Ce3+. Ceric species are generally strong oxidants and are often encountered in aqueous solutions as cerium(IV) salts or as solid oxides such as ceric oxide. The chemistry of ceric compounds is largely governed by the Ce4+/Ce3+ redox couple, which can be reduced to Ce3+ by many substrates.

Examples of ceric compounds include ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN), (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6, a well-known oxidizing agent used in organic synthesis and qualitative analysis; ceric sulfate (Ce(SO4)2); and ceric oxide (CeO2). Ce4+ solutions are typically yellow to orange and require acidic media to minimize hydrolysis; Ce4+ is reduced to Ce3+ in redox reactions, a property exploited in certain analytical and catalytic applications.

Ceric materials have broad applications in industry and research. CeO2 is used as a catalyst support and in oxidation reactions, and also as a polishing powder for glass and optics. Ceric ammonium nitrate serves as a versatile oxidant in organic synthesis and in some qualitative inorganic analyses. Handling ceric compounds requires attention to their oxidizing nature: they are typically strong oxidizers and can be corrosive, requiring appropriate storage and handling precautions.