Cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate is a versatile chemical compound with a variety of applications, notably in materials science, catalysis, and as a source of cerium. It is frequently used in the synthesis of cerium oxide (ceria) nanoparticles and other cerium-containing materials due to its solubility and low decomposition temperature. Additionally, it acts as a reactant or precursor in various chemical syntheses and can be employed in the preparation of other cerium compounds.

Cerium(III) nitrate hexahydrate is used in the separation of cerium from other rare earths. It plays an important role as a catalyst for hydrolysis of phosphoric acid esters. This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio.