Cerium Citrate stands out as a chemical compound formed by reacting cerium, a silvery rare-earth metal, with citric acid. This combination yields a substance with the molecular formula C6H5CeO7 and a molecular weight around 322.19 g/mol. The product appears as a distinctive pale white to yellowish powder, although it can sometimes show up as irregular flakes or even in crystal forms, depending on the level of refinement and water content. This rare-earth citrate shows up in analytical-grade labs and specialty manufacturing processes, and even a decade ago, it was already earning attention for specialized applications.
At room temperature, Cerium Citrate keeps a stable solid structure. It holds a density of about 2.2 g/cm³ and shows decent solubility in water, a trait often exploited in solution-phase reactions. Researchers familiar with lanthanide chemistry can tell you this substance’s mild acidity and chelating skills result in subtle reactivities, especially with oxidizing agents. Cerium Citrate’s appearance depends on preparation: high-purity batches frequently show up as a fine powder, while some industrial suppliers offer it in granule or pearl-like form for easy handling. In a laboratory glass, the substance does not emit strong odor, and it rarely forms clumps unless exposed to high humidity. The structure consists of cerium ions loosely surrounded by citrate ligands, and this chelation tweaks its reactivity and gives it a relatively low toxicity compared to free cerium salts. Some batches can even show hydrated molecules, shifting the precise molecular weight.
Chemical suppliers place Cerium Citrate under HS Code 284690 — used for rare-earth compound customs tracking worldwide. Technical data sheets spell out a purity range topping 99.0%, and labs demand this level to avoid cross-reaction in sensitive syntheses. The product can arrive as a granular powder, crystalline solid, or even as a loose aggregate—each with slightly different flow and solubility behaviors. Its melting point generally stays above 200°C, and the compound decomposes rather than boiling, breaking into cerium oxide and organic fragments at elevated temperatures. In most forms and concentrations, Cerium Citrate does not count as a hazardous chemical, though inhaled or ingested powder may present minor risks for vulnerable users. Prolonged skin contact or heavy-dose ingestion may cause irritation, so gloves and simple dust masks earn a spot in every work protocol. The substance stays stable under dry storage in closed containers and does not react with most plastics or glass, making it a suitable raw material for routine laboratory work.
Cerium Citrate crops up wherever selective reduction or gentle catalysis is required. In my research experience, a batch of Cerium Citrate plays a key role in certain organic syntheses, acting as a mild oxidant or redox buffer. Many industrial chemists rely on its well-behaved nature in formulations — it’s gentle enough for pharmaceutical intermediates, yet robust enough for use in advanced ceramics or specialty coatings. Its solubility in water allows straightforward mixing into solutions, and some scientists use it to tweak optical properties in experimental glass-making or to produce high-purity cerium oxide. In the environmental realm, Cerium Citrate helps scavenge radicals and trace metals in water treatment applications. This kind of hands-on use highlights its value not as a commodity but as a specialty material commanding close technical attention.
My own protocol always treats any fine rare-earth powder with some caution. Cerium Citrate does not count as highly hazardous, but the chemistry community never takes unnecessary risks with particulate solids. Simple ventilation and dust containment can keep airborne powders under control. Moisture-tight packaging prevents caking, and routine disposal calls for controlled landfill or incineration, keeping safety regulators happy. No regulatory agency places Cerium Citrate high on the list of environmental hazards, but responsible users recognize any bulk chemical can pose downstream problems if mismanaged. Material data points toward minimal aquatic toxicity and relatively fast breakdown in soil, but since rare-earth elements accumulate in some biological systems, most processors keep waste streams separated and label all outgoing drums. Shipping rarely faces delays, as the product holds no major hazard code or prohibitive freight restrictions.
Cerium Citrate bridges a gap between pure academic research and real-world industrial needs. Its gentle chelation and modest reactivity let it play supporting roles in both innovation and manufacturing. From a practical perspective, supplying this compound calls for more than just chemical knowledge: material handling logistics, worker safety training, and transparent documentation all shape the user experience. Regulatory clarity — through HS codes and safety sheets — reassures end users across global markets. Staying mindful of the raw material’s provenance and supply chain also backs up efforts to promote responsible sourcing of rare-earth metals. As applications continue to expand, demand for reliable, well-characterized Cerium Citrate only grows, rewarding suppliers and users who keep technical, environmental, and human factors top-of-mind.
