Ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate (CAS 16774-21-3)

Ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate, with the chemical formula (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6, is a potent oxidizing agent recognized for its bright orange-red crystalline appearance and significant role in analytical and organic chemistry. As a standard oxidant in redox titrations, it is utilized to determine the concentration of various reducing agents by exploiting the reversible redox behavior of cerium, which shifts between the +4 and +3 oxidation states. This compound is particularly effective in oxidizing alcohols to aldehydes and ketones, and transforming aromatic amines into azo compounds, making it invaluable in synthetic organic chemistry. Its high solubility and robust oxidizing properties also facilitate the preparation of cerium-containing materials used in catalysis and electronics. In the realm of materials science, ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate aids in the production of free radicals, thereby initiating polymerization reactions critical in the study of polymer chemistry. Through these diverse applications, ammonium cerium(IV) nitrate not only enhances the development of new synthetic methodologies but also contributes to advances in materials science, proving to be a versatile tool in both research and industrial settings.