Cerium(III) bromide

Cerium(III) bromide, also known as cerium tribromide, is a chemical compound with the formula CeBr₃. It is a salt consisting of cerium in the +3 oxidation state and bromide ions. Cerium(III) bromide is a white to pale yellow solid that is soluble in water and has a high melting point.

Structure and Properties

Cerium(III) bromide crystallizes in a hexagonal structure similar to that of lanthanum(III) bromide. The compound is composed of Ce³⁺ cations and Br^- anions. The cerium ions are coordinated by nine bromide ions in a tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangement.

The compound has a density of 5.18 g/cm³ and a melting point of 722 °C. It is stable in air but should be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption.

Synthesis

Cerium(III) bromide can be synthesized by the direct reaction of cerium metal with bromine gas:

<math>2 Ce + 3 Br_2 \rightarrow 2 CeBr_3</math>

Alternatively, it can be prepared by the reaction of cerium(III) oxide with hydrobromic acid:

<math>Ce_2O_3 + 6 HBr \rightarrow 2 CeBr_3 + 3 H_2O</math>

Applications

Cerium(III) bromide is used in various applications, including:

• As a component in scintillation materials for radiation detection.
• In the preparation of other cerium compounds.
• As a catalyst in organic synthesis.

Safety

Cerium(III) bromide should be handled with care, as it can be an irritant to the skin and eyes. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be used when handling the compound.

Also see

• Cerium(III) chloride
• Cerium(III) iodide
• Lanthanum(III) bromide
• Scintillation material