Thorium nitrate is a chemical compound composed of thorium and nitrate ions. It typically appears as a white crystalline solid and is soluble in water. Thorium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, is often used in nuclear applications, while nitrate ions are derived from nitric acid. This compound is primarily used in research and industrial applications, particularly in the production of thorium dioxide, which is utilized in high-temperature ceramics and as a nuclear fuel. Due to its radioactive properties, handling thorium nitrate requires safety precautions to minimize exposure to radiation.