ceric
Adjective: 1. Pertaining to or containing cerium, especially in its tetravalent state: The term "ceric" describes a chemical state or compound where the element cerium (Ce) is present, specifically with a valence of +4. This distinguishes it from "cerous" compounds where cerium has a valence of +3.
The adjective "ceric" is used almost exclusively in chemistry and materials science to specify the oxidation state of cerium. It modifies nouns related to compounds, ions, or reactions. * Ceric ammonium nitrate is a common oxidizing agent in organic synthesis. * The ceric state (Ce⁴⁺) is a strong oxidant, while the cerous state (Ce³⁺) is not.
- "Ceric sulfate" (Ce(SO₄)₂): A specific compound where cerium is in the +4 oxidation state.
- "Ceric ion" (Ce⁴⁺): Refers to the tetravalent cerium cation itself.
- The term is used in analytical chemistry, e.g., titrations for determining the concentration of reducing agents.
- Cerous (adj): Pertaining to cerium with a valence of +3. This is the contrasting term to "ceric."
- Cerous chloride (CeCl₃) contains trivalent cerium.
- Cerium (n): The chemical element (symbol Ce, atomic number 58), a lanthanide.
- Tetravalent cerium: A more descriptive synonym specifying the +4 oxidation state.
- Cerium(IV): The formal chemical notation, often used interchangeably with "ceric."
The meaning of "ceric" is highly specialized and fixed within scientific contexts. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its sole function is to denote the specific chemical form of the element cerium.
- of or relating to or containing cerium especially with valence 4