Iron III Nitrate Formula

Iron (III) nitrate is also referred to as ferric nitrate or iron trinitrate, whose chemical (or) the molecular formula is Fe(NO₃)₃ (or) FeN₃O₉. It is an inorganic compound that appears as a violet crystalline solid. Nonahydrate is the most common hydrate form, with the chemical formula Fe(NO₃)₃.(H₂O)₉. It is completely soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone, and is slightly soluble in cold concentrated nitric acid. It is a strong oxidant and a non-combustible chemical compound. Though it is non-flammable, it will increase the intensity of a fire if it comes in contact with combustible materials. The solutions of Ferric Nitrate are corrosive to most metals. It is used as a mordant in dyeing, weighting silks, tanning, and inhibiting corrosion, as well as a fertilizer and food additive.

Structure of Iron (III) Nitrate

The chemical or chemical (or) molecular formula of Iron (III) nitrate is Fe(NO₃)₃ (or) FeN₃O₉.

Iron Nitrate (III) Formula

Preparation of Iron (III) Nitrate

• Iron (III) nitrate can also be prepared by treating hematite (Fe₂O₃) with nitric acid.

Fe₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Fe(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

• The action of nitric acid on iron metal powder can produce iron(III) nitrate.

Fe + 4HNO₃ → Fe(NO₃)₃ + NO + 2H₂O

Properties of Iron (III) Nitrate

Chemical Properties of Iron (III) Nitrate

• When iron(III) nitrate is dissolved, it forms a yellow solution because of hydrolysis.
• Iron(III) oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen are formed during the thermal decomposition of iron(III) nitrate.

4Fe(NO₃)₃ → 2Fe₂O₃ + 12NO₂ + 3O₂

• When it is dissolved in molten stearic acid, the compound decomposes at about 120° C to form iron(III) oxide-hydroxide FeO(OH). 
• When it is heated to a temperature that is close to boiling, nitric acid will evaporate from the solution, and all of the iron will precipitate as iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃).
• Iron (III) nitrate reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) and iron (III) hydroxide Fe(OH)₃. 

3NaOH + Fe(NO₃)₃ → 3NaNO₃ + Fe(OH)₃

• Iron (III) nitrate reacts with copper to form copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and ferrous nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₂). 

Cu + 2Fe(NO₃)₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Fe(NO₃)₂

Uses of Iron (III) Nitrate

• As iron (III) nitrate has no large-scale applications, it acts as a catalyst in the production of sodium amide from a solution of sodium in ammonia.

2NH₃ + 2Na → 2NaNH₂ + H₂

• Jewellers and metalworkers etch silver and silver alloys with the help of iron (III) nitrate solutions.
• In organic synthesis, certain clays impregnated with iron (III) nitrate are useful as oxidants.
• It is used as a mordant in dyeing, weighting silks, tanning, and inhibiting corrosion, and as a fertilizer and food additive.
• It is also used as a reagent in analytical chemistry.

Hazards

• The inhalation of ferric nitrate dust irritates the nose and throat.
• Ingestion of iron (III) Nitrate may irritate the mouth and stomach.
• Prolonged contact with it may irritate the skin and also irritate the eyes. Chronic exposure may affect the liver.
• It is a strong oxidant, and there is a possibility of a dangerous fire as it comes into contact with organic material. Toxic nitrogen oxides and nitric acid vapour may form in fires.

FAQs on Iron (III) Nitrate Formula

Question 1: What is the chemical formula of iron (III) nitrate?

Answer:

Iron (III) nitrate is also referred to as ferric nitrate or iron trinitrate, whose chemical (or) the molecular formula is Fe(NO₃)₃ (or) FeN₃O₉. It is an inorganic compound that appears as a violet crystalline solid. Nonahydrate is the most common hydrate form, with the chemical formula Fe(NO₃)₃. (H₂O)₉.

Question 2: How is iron (III) nitrate prepared?

Answer:

• Iron (III) nitrate can also be prepared by treating hematite (Fe₂O₃) with nitric acid.

Fe₂O₃ + 6HNO₃ → 2Fe(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

• The action of nitric acid on iron metal powder can produce iron(III) nitrate.

Fe + 4HNO₃ → Fe(NO₃)₃ + NO + 2H₂O

Question 3: What are the applications of iron (III) nitrate?

Answer:

As iron (III) nitrate has no large-scale applications, it acts as a catalyst in the production of sodium amide from a solution of sodium in ammonia. Jewelers and metalworkers etch silver and silver alloys with the help of iron (III) nitrate solutions. It is used as a mordant in dyeing, weighting silks, tanning, and inhibiting corrosion, and also as a reagent in analytical chemistry.

Question 4: Mention some properties of iron (III) nitrate.

Answer:

Iron (III) nitrate is also referred to as ferric nitrate or iron trinitrate, whose molecular formula is FeN3O9. It appears as a violet crystalline solid and is completely soluble in water, alcohol, and acetone, and is slightly soluble in cold concentrated nitric acid. Though it is non-flammable, it will increase the intensity of a fire if it comes in contact with combustible materials. Its melting point is 47.2 °C whereas its boiling point is 125 °C.

Question 5: Mention some hazards of iron (III) nitrate.

Answer:

The inhalation of ferric nitrate dust irritates the nose and throat. Ingestion of iron (III) Nitrate may irritate the mouth and stomach. Prolonged contact with it may irritate the skin and also irritate the eyes. Chronic exposure may affect the liver. It is a strong oxidant, and there is a possibility of a dangerous fire as it comes into contact with organic material. Toxic nitrogen oxides and nitric acid vapor may form in fires.

Question 6: What happens when iron (III) nitrate reacts with copper?

Answer:

Iron (III) nitrate reacts with copper to form copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) and ferrous nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₂).

Cu + 2Fe(NO₃)₃ → Cu(NO₃)₂ + 2Fe(NO₃)₂