Cerium(III) chloride
Cerium(III) chloride (CAS: 7790-86-5, CeCl3) is a versatile inorganic salt supplied by Tech Serve Solutions as anhydrous beads. With a molecular weight of 246.48 g/mol, this high-purity compound (≥99.99% trace metals basis) is vital in organic synthesis. It is particularly noted for its role in enhancing diastereoselectivity in nitrile aldol reactions, leading to high yields of β-hydroxynitriles. This cerium salt also finds applications in materials science and catalysis.
- IUPAC
- Cerium trichloride,Cerous chloride
- Synonyms
- Cerium trichlorideCerous chloride

Nitrile Aldol Reactions
Cerium(III) chloride acts as a catalyst to enhance diastereoselectivity in nitrile aldol reactions. It facilitates the high-yield production of valuable β-hydroxynitriles, crucial intermediates in various chemical syntheses.
Materials Science
Utilised in materials science, cerium(III) chloride serves as a precursor for the development of advanced materials, including phosphors and specialized glass formulations. Its properties are beneficial for dopant applications.
Catalysis
In inorganic chemistry and catalysis, cerium(III) chloride is employed as a Lewis acid catalyst. It plays a role in promoting various organic transformations due to the reactivity of the cerium ion.
| Molecular weight | 246.48 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | CeCl3 |
| Assay | ≥99.99% trace metals basis |
| Grade | anhydrous |
| Form | beads |
| Density | 3.97 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Particle size | −10 mesh |
| Melting point | 848 °C(lit.) |
| Application | When added to nitrile aldol reactions, diastereoselectivity is enhanced, providing high yields of β-hydroxynitriles.1 |

Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 2 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Cerium(III) chloride used for?
+
Cerium(III) chloride is primarily used to enhance diastereoselectivity in nitrile aldol reactions, leading to high yields of β-hydroxynitriles. It also finds applications in materials science, catalysis, and as a dopant.
What are the CAS number and formula for Cerium(III) chloride?
+
The CAS number for Cerium(III) chloride is 7790-86-5, and its molecular formula is CeCl3.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Cerium(III) chloride as anhydrous beads with a purity of ≥99.99% on a trace metals basis. We do not represent this product as USP, BP, or EP grade.
How should Cerium(III) chloride be handled?
+
Cerium(III) chloride is a Warning substance that causes skin irritation, serious eye irritation, and respiratory irritation. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including a dust mask (type N95), eyeshields, and gloves, should be used. Handle in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing dust.
How is Cerium(III) chloride packed, shipped, and exported?
+
Tech Serve Solutions offers Cerium(III) chloride packed to ensure product integrity during transit. We are experienced global exporters of fine chemicals and laboratory reagents.
How can I request a quote or sample for Cerium(III) chloride?
+
To request a quote or a sample of Cerium(III) chloride, please contact our sales team through the TSS website or by phone.
▶ Related products

Benzeneruthenium(II) chloride dimer
Ru2(C6H6)2Cl4
Catalysis & Inorganic
Benzoylferrocene
C17H14FeO
Catalysis & Inorganic
Benzyldiphenylphosphine
C6H5CH2P(C6H5)2
Catalysis & Inorganic
Beryllium
Be
Catalysis & Inorganic
Beryllium oxide
BeO
Catalysis & Inorganic![Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-rhodium(I) chloride dimer — chemical structure, CAS 12257-42-0; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F12257-42-0.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-rhodium(I) chloride dimer
Catalysis & Inorganic
![Bis[(10,11-η)-5-[(11bS)-dinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-yl- κP4]-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine]rhodium(I) tetrafluorobo — chemical structure, CAS 1228149-03-8; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F1228149-03-8.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bis[(10,11-η)-5-[(11bS)-dinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-yl- κP4]-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine]rhodium(I) tetrafluorobo
1-d:1′
Catalysis & Inorganic![Bis[(2-dimethylamino)phenyl]amine nickel(II) chloride (C16H20ClN3Ni) — chemical structure, CAS 1033772-47-2; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F1033772-47-2.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bis[(2-dimethylamino)phenyl]amine nickel(II) chloride
C16H20ClN3Ni
Catalysis & Inorganic▶ Explore more

3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis