Formula Fe(NO3)3 IUPAC ID Iron(III) nitrate Density 1.68 g/cm³ Soluble in Water | Molar mass 241.86 g/mol Melting point 47.2 °C Boiling point 125 °C | |
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Appearance Pale violet crystalshygroscopic Related compounds | ||
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 powder with nitric acid.
Fe + 4 HNO3 → Fe(NO3)3 + NO + 2 H2O.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 NH3 + 2 Na → 2 NaNH2 + H2Certain 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.
Other applications
Ferric nitrate solutions are used by jewelers and metalsmiths to etch silver and silver alloys.