Iron(III) nitrate

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Iron(III) nitrate
IUPAC name	Iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate
Other names	Ferric nitrate
Identifiers
CAS number	[7782-61-8]
RTECS number	NO7175000
Properties
Molecular formula	Fe(NO3)3·9H2O
Molar mass	242 g/mol (anhydrous)
Appearance	Pale violet crystals
Density	1.68 g/cm3, Solid
Melting point	47.2°C
Solubility in other solvents	Soluble in Water, alcohol, acetone
Structure
Coordination geometry	octahedral
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Main hazards	Oxidizing Agent
NFPA 704	2 3 0
R-phrases	8-36/37/38
S-phrases	17-26-36
Related compounds
Related compounds	FeCl3
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Iron(III) nitrate, or ferric nitrate, is the chemical compound with the formula Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O. It forms colourless to pale violet crystals that are deliquescent; i.e., crystals form a pool of water if left in open to the atmosphere. The compound is prepared simply by treating iron metal or iron oxides with nitric acid.

Ferric nitrate is the catalyst of choice for the synthesis of sodium amide from a solution of sodium in ammonia:^[1]

2NH₃ + 2Na → 2NaNH₂ + H₂

Ferric nitrate supported on certain clays have been shown to be useful oxidants in organic synthesis. For example, this reagent, called "Clayfen" has been employed for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and thiols to disulfides.^[2]

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

[edit] References

1. ^ Hampton, K. G. Harris, T. M.; Hauser, C. R. (1973). "2,4-Nonandione". Org. Synth.; Coll. Vol. 5: 848.  As of 2007, 22 other entries describe similar preparations in Organic Syntheses
2. ^ 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.