Is there a reaction that could produce elemental iron without need for ignition or high temperature or electricity? Something like two substances
mixed together at STP or at kitchen oven temperature?
[Edited on 13-4-2022 by John paul III]zed - 14-4-2022 at 06:57
Easiest reaction? Filing or grinding iron, off of an iron bar.
Is there a reaction that could produce elemental iron without need for ignition or high temperature or electricity? Something like two substances
mixed together at STP or at kitchen oven temperature?
[Edited on 13-4-2022 by John paul III]
Iron(II) oxalate is usually used for this. It decomposes below 200°C ("kitchen oven temperature") to fine iron powder, which is protected from
oxidation by carbon monoxide which is also produced (other products will form in varying amounts depending on the reaction conditions). The iron
powder is fine enough to burn spontaneously in air; Google "Pyrophoric Iron" for more information. laserlisa - 14-4-2022 at 07:48
Some water soluble iron salt and sodium borohydride should work. clearly_not_atara - 14-4-2022 at 07:51
Anhydrous ferrous chloride can be obtained by drying the methanol solvate, FeCl2*4MeOH, with adequate protection from air. Solutions of anhydrous
FeCl2 in e.g. ether can then be reduced by zinc, with the byproduct ZnCl2 also soluble in ether.
There might be a few practical shortcuts, like maybe iron (ii) toluenesulfonate can be dried from water and might react the same way. I think the iron
(iii) -> (ii) reduction can be achieved with ascorbic acid. Rainwater - 14-4-2022 at 12:38
