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Iron III Acetate - Formula, Production, Use

Iron III acetate, or ferric acetate, is a non-toxic compound in numerous scientific and industrial applications. Ferric acetate is a rusty red earth tone and produces iron salts which can be used in dyeing, pigment and across various industries.



experiment in progress

What is Iron III Acetate?


Iron III acetate is a chemical compound made of iron in its +3 oxidation state, combined with acetate ions. The iron ion Fe3+, for example, has an oxidation number of +3 because it can acquire three electrons to form a chemical bond. This substance bonds well with others.


An acetate is a salt formed by the combination of acetic acid with a base. It might be an alkaline, earthy, metallic, nonmetallic or radical base. Acetic acid reacts with alkalis and forms acetate salts. Acetic acid is the active component in vinegar: 5% acetic acid 95% water.


Iron III acetate is predominantly a dark reddish-brown solid. It's found in various forms, including hydrates. Iron III acetate is notable for its effective role as a non-toxic earth pigment and a catalyst in various industrial applications.


Iron III acetate is a rust. The most common form of rust is FeO(OH) which is the mineral goethite when it occurs naturally. Rust formed under water is Fe(OH)3.



rusty seawater chain

Formula


The chemical formula for Iron III acetate is C6H9FeO6.


The equation shows there are three acetate groups attached to a central iron ion, which is in the +3 oxidation state. This specific oxidation level is vital for the compound's properties, such as its reactivity and solubility. The formula helps scientists predict how Iron III acetate will behave in different situations.


Just for fun another formula for iron(III) acetate is Fe(C2H3O2)3). This formula indicates each molecule consists of one iron (Fe) atom, three acetate groups, and six oxygen atoms. The presence of iron in its trivalent state affects its chemical behavior and reactivity.



rusty bicycle

Let's Make Some - Two Methods of Making Ferric Acetate


How to Make Iron III Acetate - Method 1


Iron III acetate production occurs with a simple chemical reaction between iron(III) hydroxide and acetic acid.


Materials Needed


  • Iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)3)

  • Acetic acid (CH3COOH)

  • Distilled water

  • A beaker and stirrer


Procedure


  1. Dissolve Acetic Acid: Start by adding acetic acid to a beaker containing a measured amount of distilled water.

  2. Add Iron(III) Hydroxide: Gradually introduce iron(III) hydroxide to the acetic acid solution while stirring continuously.

  3. Formation of the Compound: The mixture will begin to change color as the iron(III) hydroxide reacts with the acetic acid to form iron III acetate.

  4. Filtration and Purification: Once the reaction is complete, filter the mixture to remove any unreacted solids. The solution containing iron III acetate can be concentrated by evaporation, yielding the desired compound.


Dry the collected Iron III acetate in a desiccator or an oven set to a low temperature (around 60 °C).



dry in oven on low heat setting
dry in oven on low heat setting

How to Make Iron III Acetate - Method 2


Creating Iron III acetate involves a straightforward chemical reaction. Here's a method for synthesizing this compound in the laboratory:


Materials Needed:

  • 15 grams of ferric chloride (FeCl3)

  • 10 grams of sodium acetate (CH3COONa)

  • 100 milliliters of distilled water


Procedure:

  • Dissolve the ferric chloride in 100 milliliters of distilled water.

  • In another container, dissolve the sodium acetate in a small amount of distilled water.

  • Gradually pour the sodium acetate solution into the ferric chloride solution while stirring constantly.

  • A dark precipitate will form, signaling the creation of Iron III acetate.

  • Filter the mixture to collect the precipitate.

  • Rinse the Iron III acetate with distilled water to eliminate impurities.

  • Final Steps:


This method provides high-purity Iron III acetate.



colorful rust

Properties of Iron III Acetate


Ferric acetate possesses several interesting physical and chemical properties:


  • Appearance: Typically a dark reddish-brown or reddish-orange solid.

  • Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol, forming a reddish-brown solution.

  • Molecular Weight: Approximately 219.10 g/mol.

  • Melting Point: The compound decomposes before melting, generally losing water and acetate groups when heated.

  • Chemical Stability: Iron III acetate is stable under standard conditions but can react with strong reducing agents.


Uses of Iron III Acetate


Iron III acetate is utilized in various applications, highlighting its versatility:

  1. Dyes and Pigments: It is widely used in the textile and paper industries as a dye mordant and colorant due to its ability to bind well with organic dyes. About 40% of dye production relies on iron-based compounds due to their vibrant colors and good bonding.

  2. Catalyst: Ferric acetate serves as a catalyst in various organic reactions, particularly in the production of esters and in polymer synthesis.

  3. Biomedical Applications: It is used in biochemistry for the preparation of iron supplements and in certain diagnostic assays.

  4. Electroplating: The compound finds applications in electroplating operations, where iron can be deposited onto various substrates.

  5. Analytical Chemistry: It is utilized as a reagent in analytical procedures due to its reactive nature.

  6. Food Additive: for example, it can enhance the flavor and preserve products like pickles, where it acts to stabilize the acidity.

  7. Iron III acetate often serves as a dietary supplement for individuals with iron deficiencies. Studies indicate that iron supplements can improve hemoglobin levels by nearly 50% in people suffering from anemia.

  8. Chemists use Iron III acetate as a reagent in various reactions. It can provide a vital source of iron in biochemical research, which is critical for studying biological processes and reactions.



hydrated iron III acetate
filtered hydrated iron III acetate

Facts About Ferric Acetate


  1. Historical Significance: Ferric acetate has been used for centuries in the textile industry as a dye fixative, playing a crucial role in color retention for fabrics.

  2. Safety Precautions: While generally considered safe when handled correctly, ferric acetate can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, necessitating appropriate safety measures during its handling.

  3. Natural Sources: Iron compounds, including ferric acetate, can naturally occur in some soils and mineral deposits, influencing local ecological systems.

  4. Biological Relevance: Iron is essential for various biological processes, including oxygen transport in blood. Ferric acetate's role in providing essential nutrients makes it valuable in healthcare and nutrition. The compound assists in wastewater treatment by precipitating phosphates, which helps maintain water quality.

  5. Alternative Medicine: Historically, ferric acetate has been used for centuries in alternative medicine and traditional remedies.

  6. Complex Formation: Due to its ability to form complexes with other elements, Iron III acetate is widely researched in coordination chemistry, with implications in fields such as catalyst development.

  7. Crisis Response: Iron III acetate has been tested as a soil amendment for addressing iron deficiencies in plants, which can enhance nutrient absorption and improve crop yields by up to 30% in affected soils.



looking at liquid

Iron III acetate, or ferric acetate, exemplifies how one chemical compound can impact many sectors, from food preservation to pharmaceuticals and textiles. Its unique properties and versatility not only contribute to its practical applications but also promote ongoing research and innovative uses across various fields.




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