Cerium(IV) sulfate, also called ceric sulfate, is a yellow to yellow/orange chemical compound. It exists as the anhydrous salt Ce(SO₄)₂; a few hydrated forms are also known: Ce(SO₄)₂.xH₂O, with x equal to 4, 8, or 12. Ceric sulfate is available commercially.

Properties

Ceric sulfate is moderately soluble in water and dilute acids. Its neutral solutions slowly decompose, due to hydrolysis of the highly_charged Ce⁴⁺ ion. These solutions deposit the light yellow oxide CeO₂. Solutions of ceric sulfate have a strong yellow color.

The ceric ion is a strong oxidizer, especially under acidic conditions. If ceric sulfate is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, then elemental chlorine is formed, albeit slowly. With stronger reducing agents it reacts much faster. For example, with sulfite in acidic environments it reacts quickly and completely.

When ceric compounds are reduced, so-called cerous compounds are formed. The reaction taking place is: Ce⁴⁺ + e --> Ce³⁺. The cerous ion is colorless.

Ceric sulfate is used in analytical chemistry for redox titration, often together with a redox indicator.