These salts are yellow to yellow/orange solids that are moderately soluble in water and dilute acids.

Its neutral solutions slowly decompose, depositing the light yellow oxide CeO2.

Solutions of ceric sulfate have a strong yellow color.

It was historically produced by direct reaction of fine, calcined cerium (IV) oxide and concentrated sulfuric acid, yielding the tetrahydrate.

If ceric sulfate is added to dilute hydrochloric acid, then elemental chlorine is formed, albeit slowly.