CeO2 has been reported to catalyze various organic reactions at high temperature (150– 4008C).[1–15] In view of organic synthesis, it is important to study CeO2-catalyzed reactions at lower temperature. Hydration of nitriles to the corresponding amides is an important transformation from both organic chemistry and industrial points of view. Conventional methods of nitrile hydration with strong acid or base catalysts have drawbacks such as ...