cerous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or containing trivalent cerium: "Cerous" describes compounds or ions in which the element cerium has a valence of +3. It specifically denotes the lower oxidation state of cerium, contrasting with the +4 state (ceric).
Usage
- The term "cerous" is used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry, materials science, and geology, to specify the oxidation state of cerium in a compound.
- It typically functions as an adjective modifying the name of a compound (e.g., cerous salt) or is used in systematic chemical nomenclature.
Examples
- Adjective:
- Cerous oxide (Ce₂O₃) is less stable than ceric oxide (CeO₂).
- The solution contained cerous ions, which gave it a pale color.
- They studied the magnetic properties of cerous compounds.
Advanced Usage
- "cerous state": Refers to the condition or form of cerium when it has a +3 oxidation state.
- In this reducing environment, cerium exists in the cerous state.
- Distinction from "ceric": A fundamental distinction in cerium chemistry. "Cerous" (Ce³⁺) and "ceric" (Ce⁴⁺) describe the two common oxidation states, with different chemical and physical properties.
- The redox chemistry between the cerous and ceric ions is crucial for catalytic applications.
Variants and Related Words
- Cerium (n): The chemical element (symbol Ce, atomic number 58) to which "cerous" refers.
- Ceric (adj): Relating to or containing tetravalent cerium (Ce⁴⁺).
- Cerous salt (n phrase): A salt containing the Ce³⁺ cation.
Synonyms
- Trivalent cerium: A precise synonym describing the oxidation state.
- Ce(III): The standard chemical notation for the cerous ion or state.
Related Terms and Phrases
- Cerous chloride (CeCl₃): A specific compound example.
- Cerous nitrate: Another common cerous compound.
- Reduction to cerous form: A phrase describing the chemical process of converting cerium from a higher to the +3 oxidation state.
Adjective
-
of or relating to or containing cerium with valence 3
