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Ferric Ion

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Identification
Molecular formula
Fe3+
CAS number
20074-52-6
IUPAC name
iron(3+)
State
State
Iron in its ionic form (Fe3+) is typically found in aqueous solution where it stays dissolved or as a component of solid compounds, for instance in various iron oxides. When part of solids, it is typically part of a crystalline structure.
Melting point (Celsius)
1 538.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 811.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
2 861.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 134.00
General information
Molecular weight
55.85g/mol
Molar mass
55.8450g/mol
Density
7.8740g/cm3
Appearence
The ferric ion (Fe3+) itself does not have a distinct appearance, as it is simply an ion and part of compounds or solutions. However, it can result in various colors in solutions or compounds, often imparting a yellow, brown, or reddish hue depending on the other components present.
Comment on solubility

Solubility of Iron(III) Ions

Iron(III) ions, represented by the chemical formula Fe3+, exhibit unique solubility characteristics that are influenced by various factors:

  • Solvent Influence: Iron(III) ions are generally soluble in water and can form aqueous solutions. However, the degree of solubility can depend on the presence of other solutes in the solution.
  • pH Levels: The solubility of Fe3+ is highly sensitive to the pH of the solution. In acidic conditions, such as pH < 3, iron(III) remains soluble. Conversely, as the pH increases, precipitation occurs, leading to the formation of Fe(OH)3, making the ion less soluble.
  • Complexation: Iron(III) can form complexes with various ligands, significantly affecting its solubility. For instance, in the presence of citrate or EDTA, Fe3+ can stay soluble, enhancing its bioavailability in certain applications.
  • Temperature Effects: Generally, solubility tends to increase with temperature for ionic compounds, including iron(III) salts, making them more soluble in warmer solutions.

In summary, while Fe3+ is soluble in dilute aqueous solutions, its solubility can vary widely due to pH, complexation, temperature, and the presence of other ions. Understanding these factors is crucial for effectively utilizing iron(III) in various chemical processes and applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Iron(III) Ion (Fe3+)

The iron(III) ion, known chemically as Fe3+, plays a significant role in both the natural world and industrial applications. Here are some fascinating insights:

  • Essential Element: Iron is a crucial trace element for living organisms. In the human body, iron(III) is vital for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells.
  • Oxidation States: Iron exhibits multiple oxidation states, but the +3 state is particularly important in various biochemical processes and is often involved in oxidation-reduction reactions.
  • Stability: The Fe3+ ion is more stable in acidic conditions and can easily be reduced to Fe2+ (iron(II) ion) under certain conditions, showcasing its versatility in chemical reactions.
  • Color Changes: Iron(III) compounds often exhibit rich colors, making them useful in various applications including pigments. For instance, the characteristic rust color of iron oxide is a result of iron(III) ions.
  • Coordination Chemistry: Fe3+ is known for its ability to form complexes with various ligands. These complex ions are crucial in coordination chemistry and have important applications in catalysis and materials science.
  • Environmental Implications: The presence of iron(III) in water can indicate the degree of pollution and is used in the treatment of wastewater. Understanding its behavior in natural waters is essential for environmental monitoring.

In summary, the iron(III) ion demonstrates profound significance, from biological functions to environmental chemistry. With its diverse roles and properties, Fe3+ continues to be a subject of extensive study in both biology and chemistry.

Synonyms
Ferric ion
Ferric cation
Ferric ions
UNII-91O4LML611
91O4LML611
RefChem:7375
Iron(3+)
20074-52-6
Fe3+
iron(III)
ferric iron
Iron, ion (Fe3+)
Iron(III) cation
Iron(III) ion
Iron(3+) ion
Fe(III)
Iron(3+)ions
Iron trivalent ion
FeIII
Iron (III) ion
Fe+3 ion
Iron ion(3+)
Iron (Fe3+)
IRON (III)
Fe+3
iron, ion (Fe(3+))
FERRIC IRON [VANDF]
Fe+++
DTXSID9041029
SCHEMBL29427477
CHEBI:29034
Fe(3+)
Iron, ion (Fe3+) (8CI,9CI)
DB13949
NS00078786
Q3233795