Cesium Chloride (CsCl) - High Purity Crystal from China Suppliers and Factory
Preparation method
Industrial preparation is mainly through the following ways:
Method 1
Reaction of metallic cesium with hydrochloric acid
Method 2
Neutralization method with cesium carbonate or cesium hydroxide
Method 3
Mineral extraction: High-purity CsCl is obtained from pollucite by acid leaching, ion exchange and other steps.
Chemical and physical properties
-
High-density solution: The density of saturated CsCl solution can reach 1.9 g/cm³, which is often used for density gradient centrifugation separation of biological samples (such as DNA purification).
-
Ionic conductivity: Molten CsCl is an excellent ion conductor and is used for high-temperature electrolyte research.
-
Optical properties: CsCl crystals have a wide light transmission range (0.2~55 μm) and can be used for infrared spectrometer prisms.
-
Radioactive applications: Gamma-ray sources of Cs-137** (half-life 30.17 years) are widely used in medical and industrial irradiation.
Main applications
1. Molecular biology
-
Density gradient centrifugation is used to separate nucleic acids and virus particles.
-
As a buffer component for PCR reactions.
2. Nuclear medicine
-
Cs-131 (half-life 9.7 days) is used for brachytherapy of prostate cancer.
3. Materials science
-
Preparation of cesium vapor for photoelectric tubes and ion thrusters.
-
Synthesis of functional materials with CsCl-type structures (such as perovskite solar cell precursors).
Basic research
-
Used to prepare optical lattices in ultracold atom experiments.
-
Study the phase transition behavior of ionic crystals (transformed to NaCl-type structure at high temperature).
Safety and storage
Safety Guidelines & Storage Requirements
CsCl is moderately toxic (LD₅₀ rat oral administration is about 2300 mg/kg), but radioactive isotopes need to be strictly protected. Storage needs to be moisture-proof and sealed to avoid contact with strong oxidants. Radioactive materials such as Cs-137 need to be managed in accordance with nuclear safety regulations.
Conclusion
Due to its unique crystal structure, excellent solubility and diverse isotopic characteristics, cesium chloride occupies an important position in the fields of life sciences, nuclear technology and functional materials. Its applications extend from basic research to high-tech, reflecting the multifunctional value of alkali metal halides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is Cesium Chloride (CsCl) prepared industrially?
Industrially, Cesium Chloride is prepared primarily through three methods: the reaction of metallic cesium with hydrochloric acid, the neutralization of cesium carbonate or cesium hydroxide, or mineral extraction from pollucite via acid leaching and ion exchange.
Why is Cesium Chloride used in density gradient centrifugation?
Saturated Cesium Chloride solution has a very high density, reaching up to 1.9 g/cm³. This property makes it ideal for density gradient centrifugation, which is widely used to separate biological samples such as nucleic acids (DNA purification) and virus particles.
What are the primary applications of Cesium isotopes in medicine?
In nuclear medicine, Cs-131 (with a half-life of 9.7 days) is used for the brachytherapy of prostate cancer. Additionally, Cs-137 (with a half-life of 30.17 years) serves as a gamma-ray source for medical and industrial irradiation applications.
How is Cesium Chloride utilized in materials science and basic research?
It is used to synthesize functional materials like perovskite solar cell precursors, prepare cesium vapor for photoelectric tubes and ion thrusters, prepare optical lattices in ultracold atom experiments, and study the phase transition behavior of ionic crystals.
What are the safety and storage guidelines for Cesium Chloride?
Cesium Chloride is moderately toxic (LD₅₀ rat oral is ~2300 mg/kg) and must be stored in a moisture-proof, sealed environment away from strong oxidants. Radioactive isotopes like Cs-137 require strict handling and must be managed in accordance with nuclear safety regulations.