Cesium Chloride (CsCl) - High Purity Supplier & Factory in China, Ideal for Ionic Crystal Studies
Preparation method
Industrial preparation is mainly through the following ways:
1. Reaction of metallic cesium
Reaction of metallic cesium with hydrochloric acid.
2. Neutralization method
Neutralization method with cesium carbonate or cesium hydroxide.
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
Optical Lattices
Used to prepare optical lattices in ultracold atom experiments.
Phase Transition
Study the phase transition behavior of ionic crystals (transformed to NaCl-type structure at high temperature).
Safety and storage
Safety Warning & Guidelines
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 prepared on an industrial scale?
Industrially, Cesium Chloride is prepared by reacting metallic cesium with hydrochloric acid, neutralizing cesium carbonate or cesium hydroxide, or extracting it from pollucite minerals through acid leaching and ion exchange.
Why is Cesium Chloride used in density gradient centrifugation?
A saturated solution of CsCl has a very high density of up to 1.9 g/cm³, which is ideal for the density gradient centrifugation separation of biological molecules like DNA.
What are the optical properties of Cesium Chloride crystals?
CsCl crystals offer a wide light transmission range from 0.2 to 55 μm, allowing them to be utilized in prisms for infrared spectrometers.
How is Cesium Chloride applied in nuclear medicine?
The isotope Cs-131, which has a half-life of 9.7 days, is utilized in nuclear medicine specifically for the brachytherapy of prostate cancer.
What are the safety precautions required for storing Cesium Chloride?
Cesium Chloride is moderately toxic and must be stored in a sealed, moisture-proof container to prevent degradation. Radioactive isotopes like Cs-137 must be handled strictly in compliance with nuclear safety regulations.