Iron(III) nitrate

Iron(III) nitrate
IUPAC name

Iron(III) nitrate
Other names

Ferric nitrate
Nitric acid, iron(3+) salt
Identifiers
CAS number 10421-48-4 Y, 
13476-08-9 (hexahydrate)
7782-61-8 (nonahydrate)
PubChem 16211566
ChemSpider 10670706 Y
UNII N8H8402XOB Y
RTECS number NO7175000
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula Fe(NO3)3
Molar mass 241.86 g/mol (anhydrous)
403.999 g/mol (nonahydrate)
Appearance Pale violet crystals
hygroscopic
Density 1.68 g/cm3 (nonahydrate)
Melting point

47.2 °C (nonahydrate)
125 °C (decomp.)
Solubility in water very soluble
Solubility in alcohol, acetone soluble
Structure
Coordination
geometry		 octahedral
Hazards[1]
GHS pictograms
GHS signal word WARNING
GHS hazard statements H272, H302, H319
GHS precautionary statements P210, P220, P221, P264, P270, P280, P301+312, P305+351+338, P330, P337+313, P370+378, P501
EU Index not listed
NFPA 704
0
1
0
OX
Flash point non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds Iron(III) chloride
Iron(III) sulfate
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Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Iron(III) nitrate, or ferric nitrate, is the chemical compound with the formula Fe(NO3)3. Since it is deliquescent, it is commonly found in its nonahydrate form Fe(NO3)3·9H2O in which it forms colourless to pale violet crystals.

Contents

Preparation

The compound is prepared by treating iron metal with nitric acid.

2 Fe + 8 HNO3 = 2 Fe(NO3)3 + 2 NO + 4 H2O.

Applications

In the chemical laboratory

Ferric nitrate is the catalyst of choice for the synthesis of sodium amide from a solution of sodium in ammonia:[2]

2 NH3 + 2 Na → 2 NaNH2 + H2

Certain clays impregnated with ferric nitrate have been shown to be useful oxidants in organic synthesis. For example, ferric nitrate on Montmorillonite—a reagent called "Clayfen"—has been employed for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and thiols to disulfides.[3]

Other applications

Ferric nitrate solutions are used by jewelers and metalsmiths to etch silver and silver alloys.

References

  1. ^ HSNO Chemical Classification Information Database (New Zealand Environmental Risk Management Authority), http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/Chemicals/ChemicalDisplay.aspx?SubstanceID=1777, retrieved 2010-09-19 .
  2. ^ Hampton, K. G. Harris, T. M.; Hauser, C. R. (1973), "2,4-Nonanedione", Org. Synth., http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/orgsyn/prepContent.asp?prep=cv5p0848 ; Coll. Vol. 5: 848  As of 2007, 22 other entries describe similar preparations in Organic Syntheses
  3. ^ Cornélis, A. Laszlo, P.; Zettler, M. W. "Iron(III) Nitrate–K10 Montmorillonite Clay" in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis (Ed: L. Paquette) 2004, J. Wiley & Sons, New York. DOI: 10.1002/047084289.