Difference between revisions of "Iron"

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[[File:Ironwoolspike.JPG|thumb|220x220px|Two easily available iron sources, with very different surface areas: Steel wool and railroad spikes.]]
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{{Infobox element
 +
<!-- top -->
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|image name=Ironwoolspike.JPG
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|image alt=220
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|image size=
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|image name comment=Two easily available iron sources, with very different surface areas: Steel wool and railroad spikes.
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|image name 2=
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|image alt 2=
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|image size 2=
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|image name 2 comment=
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<!-- General properties -->
 +
|name=Iron
 +
|symbol=Fe
 +
|pronounce=
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|pronounce ref=
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|pronounce comment=
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|pronounce 2=
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|alt name=
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|alt names=
 +
|allotropes=
 +
|appearance=Metallic gray
 +
<!-- Periodic table -->
 +
|above=
 +
|below=[[Ruthenium|Ru]]
 +
|left=[[Manganese]]
 +
|right=[[Cobalt]]
 +
|number=26
 +
|atomic mass=55.845(2)
 +
|atomic mass 2=
 +
|atomic mass ref=
 +
|atomic mass comment=
 +
|series=
 +
|series ref=
 +
|series comment=
 +
|series color=
 +
|group=8
 +
|group ref=
 +
|group comment=
 +
|period=4
 +
|period ref=
 +
|period comment=
 +
|block=d
 +
|block ref=
 +
|block comment=
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|electron configuration=[Ar] 3d<sup>6</sup> 4s<sup>2</sup>
 +
|electron configuration ref=
 +
|electron configuration comment=
 +
|electrons per shell=2, 8, 14, 2
 +
|electrons per shell ref=
 +
|electrons per shell comment=
 +
<!-- Physical properties -->
 +
|physical properties comment=
 +
|color=Metallic gray
 +
|phase=Solid
 +
|phase ref=
 +
|phase comment=
 +
|melting point K=1811
 +
|melting point C=1538
 +
|melting point F=​2800
 +
|melting point ref=
 +
|melting point comment=
 +
|boiling point K=3134
 +
|boiling point C=2862
 +
|boiling point F=5182
 +
|boiling point ref=
 +
|boiling point comment=
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|sublimation point K=
 +
|sublimation point C=
 +
|sublimation point F=
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|sublimation point ref=
 +
|sublimation point comment=
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|density gplstp=
 +
|density gplstp ref=
 +
|density gplstp comment=
 +
|density gpcm3nrt=7.874
 +
|density gpcm3nrt ref=
 +
|density gpcm3nrt comment=
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|density gpcm3nrt 2=
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|density gpcm3nrt 2 ref=
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|density gpcm3nrt 2 comment=
 +
|density gpcm3nrt 3=
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|density gpcm3nrt 3 ref=
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|density gpcm3nrt 3 comment=
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|density gpcm3mp=6.98
 +
|density gpcm3mp ref=
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|density gpcm3mp comment=
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|density gpcm3bp=
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|density gpcm3bp ref=
 +
|density gpcm3bp comment=
 +
|molar volume=
 +
|molar volume unit =
 +
|molar volume ref=
 +
|molar volume comment=
 +
|triple point K=
 +
|triple point kPa=
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|triple point ref=
 +
|triple point comment=
 +
|triple point K 2=
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|triple point kPa 2=
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|triple point 2 ref=
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|triple point 2 comment=
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|critical point K=
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|critical point MPa=
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|critical point ref=
 +
|critical point comment=
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|heat fusion=13.81
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|heat fusion ref=
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|heat fusion comment=
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|heat fusion 2=
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|heat fusion 2 ref=
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|heat fusion 2 comment=
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|heat vaporization=340
 +
|heat vaporization ref=
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|heat vaporization comment=
 +
|heat capacity=25.1
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|heat capacity ref=
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|heat capacity comment=
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|heat capacity 2=
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|heat capacity 2 ref=
 +
|heat capacity 2 comment=
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|vapor pressure 1=1728
 +
|vapor pressure 10=1890
 +
|vapor pressure 100=2091
 +
|vapor pressure 1 k=2346
 +
|vapor pressure 10 k=2679
 +
|vapor pressure 100 k=3132
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|vapor pressure ref=
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|vapor pressure comment=
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|vapor pressure 1 2=
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|vapor pressure 10 2=
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|vapor pressure 100 2=
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|vapor pressure 1 k 2=
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|vapor pressure 10 k 2=
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|vapor pressure 100 k 2=
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|vapor pressure 2 ref=
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|vapor pressure 2 comment=
 +
<!-- Atomic properties -->
 +
|atomic properties comment=
 +
|oxidation states=−4, −2, −1, +1, '''+2''', '''+3''', +4, +5, '''+6''', +7
 +
|oxidation states ref=
 +
|oxidation states comment=(an amphoteric oxide)
 +
|electronegativity=1.83
 +
|electronegativity ref=
 +
|electronegativity comment=
 +
|ionization energy 1=762.5
 +
|ionization energy 1 ref=
 +
|ionization energy 1 comment=
 +
|ionization energy 2=1561.9
 +
|ionization energy 2 ref=
 +
|ionization energy 2 comment=
 +
|ionization energy 3=2957
 +
|ionization energy 3 ref=
 +
|ionization energy 3 comment=
 +
|number of ionization energies=
 +
|ionization energy ref=
 +
|ionization energy comment=
 +
|atomic radius=126
 +
|atomic radius ref=
 +
|atomic radius comment=
 +
|atomic radius calculated=
 +
|atomic radius calculated ref=
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|atomic radius calculated comment=
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|covalent radius=
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|covalent radius ref=
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|covalent radius comment=Low spin: 132±3 pm<br>High spin: 152±6 pm
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|Van der Waals radius=
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|Van der Waals radius ref=
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|Van der Waals radius comment=
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<!-- Miscellanea -->
 +
|crystal structure=
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|crystal structure prefix=
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|crystal structure ref=
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|crystal structure comment= Bbody-centered cubic (bcc)<br>a=286.65 pm
 +
|crystal structure 2=
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|crystal structure 2 prefix=
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|crystal structure 2 ref=
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|crystal structure 2 comment= Face-centered cubic (fcc)<br>Between 1185–1667 K
 +
|speed of sound=
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|speed of sound ref=
 +
|speed of sound comment=
 +
|speed of sound rod at 20=
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|speed of sound rod at 20 ref=
 +
|speed of sound rod at 20 comment=
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|speed of sound rod at r.t.=5120
 +
|speed of sound rod at r.t. ref=
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|speed of sound rod at r.t. comment=(electrolytic)
 +
|thermal expansion=
 +
|thermal expansion ref=
 +
|thermal expansion comment=
 +
|thermal expansion at 25=11.8
 +
|thermal expansion at 25 ref=
 +
|thermal expansion at 25 comment=
 +
|thermal conductivity=80.4
 +
|thermal conductivity ref=
 +
|thermal conductivity comment=
 +
|thermal conductivity 2=
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|thermal conductivity 2 ref=
 +
|thermal conductivity 2 comment=
 +
|thermal diffusivity=
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|thermal diffusivity ref=
 +
|thermal diffusivity comment=
 +
|electrical resistivity=
 +
|electrical resistivity unit prefix=
 +
|electrical resistivity ref=
 +
|electrical resistivity comment=
 +
|electrical resistivity at 0=
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|electrical resistivity at 0 ref=
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|electrical resistivity at 0 comment=
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|electrical resistivity at 20=9.61·10<sup>-8</sup>
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|electrical resistivity at 20 ref=
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|electrical resistivity at 20 comment=
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|band gap=
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|band gap ref=
 +
|band gap comment=
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|Curie point K=1043
 +
|Curie point ref=
 +
|Curie point comment=
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|magnetic ordering=Ferromagnetic
 +
|magnetic ordering ref=
 +
|magnetic ordering comment=
 +
|tensile strength=
 +
|tensile strength ref=
 +
|tensile strength comment=
 +
|Young's modulus=211
 +
|Young's modulus ref=
 +
|Young's modulus comment=
 +
|Shear modulus=82
 +
|Shear modulus ref=
 +
|Shear modulus comment=
 +
|Bulk modulus=170
 +
|Bulk modulus ref=
 +
|Bulk modulus comment=
 +
|Poisson ratio=0.29
 +
|Poisson ratio ref=
 +
|Poisson ratio comment=
 +
|Mohs hardness=4
 +
|Mohs hardness ref=
 +
|Mohs hardness comment=
 +
|Mohs hardness 2=
 +
|Mohs hardness 2 ref=
 +
|Mohs hardness 2 comment=
 +
|Vickers hardness=608
 +
|Vickers hardness ref=
 +
|Vickers hardness comment=
 +
|Brinell hardness=200–1180
 +
|Brinell hardness ref=
 +
|Brinell hardness comment=
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|CAS number=7439-89-6
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|CAS number ref=
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|CAS number comment=
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<!-- History -->
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|naming=
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|predicted by=
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|prediction date ref=
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|prediction date=
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|discovered by=
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|discovery date ref=
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|discovery date=
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|first isolation by=
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|first isolation date ref=
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|first isolation date=
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|discovery and first isolation by=
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|named by=
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|named date ref=
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|named date=
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|history comment label=
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|history comment=Before 5000 BC
 +
<!-- Isotopes -->
 +
|isotopes=
 +
|isotopes comment=
 +
|engvar=
 +
}}
 
'''Iron''' (chemical symbol '''Fe''') is element number 26 on the [[periodic table]]. It is one of the elements known since antiquity, and has long been prized for its strength and ability to form even stronger alloys, such as steel. In the lab, iron can be either a useful reagent or an annoying contaminant. Its coordination chemistry is not as extensive as that of some other transition metals, but several complexes are known.
 
'''Iron''' (chemical symbol '''Fe''') is element number 26 on the [[periodic table]]. It is one of the elements known since antiquity, and has long been prized for its strength and ability to form even stronger alloys, such as steel. In the lab, iron can be either a useful reagent or an annoying contaminant. Its coordination chemistry is not as extensive as that of some other transition metals, but several complexes are known.
  
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Iron forms compounds most commonly found in it's ferrous(II) and ferric(III) oxidation states, but it can exist in the (IV) and (VI) valence states as ferrates. Other oxidation states are possible present no interest to the amateur chemist.
 
Iron forms compounds most commonly found in it's ferrous(II) and ferric(III) oxidation states, but it can exist in the (IV) and (VI) valence states as ferrates. Other oxidation states are possible present no interest to the amateur chemist.
  
−
Iron reacts with air in the presence of water to form [[Iron(III) oxide|Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>]], commonly known as rust. It also will form mixed valence compounds like [[Iron(II,III) oxide|magnetite]] (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>), that contain both ferrous and ferric state iron in their structure. Magnetite may be produced by ignition of steel wool. Iron reacts with the [[halogens]] to form its halide [[salt]]s. It will also react with sulfur at elevated temperatures if finely divided to form [[iron sulfide]] (FeS). In solution, iron tends to form ferrous salts, but the addition of hydrogen peroxide (and often atmospheric oxygen) will promote the formation of ferric compounds.
+
Iron reacts with air in the presence of water to form [[Iron(III) oxide|Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>]], commonly known as rust. It also will form mixed valence compounds like [[Iron(II,III) oxide|magnetite]] (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>), that contain both ferrous and ferric state iron in their structure. Magnetite may be produced by ignition of steel wool. Iron reacts with the [[halogen]]s to form its halide [[salt]]s. It will also react with sulfur at elevated temperatures if finely divided to form [[iron sulfide]] (FeS). In solution, iron tends to form ferrous salts, but the addition of hydrogen peroxide (and often atmospheric oxygen) will promote the formation of ferric compounds.
  
−
The ferrous state of iron is normally soluble in water and is resistant to oxidation in acidic solution. In basic solution, however, iron(II) oxide will precipitate and be oxidized by water to iron(III) oxide. Solid [[Iron(II) sulfate]] may oxidize in air to form iron(III) oxide deposits.
+
Iron metal will react with diluted acids, such as [[hydrochloric acid]], but passivates in contact with concentrated acids, such as [[nitric acid]] or [[phosphoric acid]].
  
−
The ferric state of iron is only soluble in acidic solutions and will quickly convert to hydrous iron(III) oxide if the acidity is reduced. This is a source of annoyance for most chemists. However, interesting color changes may occur due to complex formation. One example is [[Iron(III) nitrate|iron(III) nitrate]]: it is lavender in the solid state, but dissolves to form a rust-colored solution, with the dominant iron species being [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>5</sub>OH]<sup>2+</sup>. A small amount of acid will turn this solution clear as the [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>5</sub>OH]<sup>2+</sup> is converted to [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3+</sup>. Ferric compounds, such as [[iron(III) chloride]], are strongly Lewis acidic.
+
The ferrous state of iron is normally soluble in water and is resistant to oxidation in acidic solution. In basic solution, however, iron(II) oxide will precipitate and be oxidized by water to iron(III) oxide. Solid [[iron(II) sulfate]] may oxidize in air to form iron(III) oxide deposits.
  
−
Iron(III) iodide is unstable with respect to disproportionation. When an iodide-containing solution is added to a solution containing ferric ion, [[Iron(II) iodide|iron(II) iodide]] and iron precipitate.
+
The ferric state of iron is only soluble in acidic solutions and will quickly convert to hydrous iron(III) oxide if the acidity is reduced. This is a source of annoyance for most chemists. However, interesting color changes may occur due to complex formation. One example is [[iron(III) nitrate]]: it is lavender in the solid state, but dissolves to form a rust-colored solution, with the dominant iron species being [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>5</sub>OH]<sup>2+</sup>. A small amount of acid will turn this solution clear as the [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>5</sub>OH]<sup>2+</sup> is converted to [Fe(H<sub>2</sub>O)<sub>6</sub>]<sup>3+</sup>. Ferric compounds, such as [[iron(III) chloride]], are strongly Lewis acidic.
 +
 
 +
Iron(III) iodide is unstable with respect to disproportionation. When an iodide-containing solution is added to a solution containing ferric ion, [[iron(II) iodide]] and iron precipitate.
  
 
A relatively sensitive test for ferric iron is the addition of [[Thiocyanate|thiocyanates]], which form a deep red complex. This can be used to make fake blood as a party trick.
 
A relatively sensitive test for ferric iron is the addition of [[Thiocyanate|thiocyanates]], which form a deep red complex. This can be used to make fake blood as a party trick.
  
−
Ferrates are compounds of iron in the +6 state. These are only stable in strongly basic solutions and will degrade after about a day. However, they can be produced at home by using bleach, and can be stabilized by precipitation with barium. Although ferrates are powerful oxidizers, they are mild and will not ignite organic materials.
+
Both oxidation states readily from complexes with water, cyanide, nitrous oxide (ferrous only) and oxalates (ferric only)[http://www.sciencemadness.org/smwiki/index.php/Synthesis_of_potassium_trisoxalatoferrate(III)_trihydrate]
 +
 
 +
Ferrates(VI) are compounds of iron in the +6 state. These are only stable in strongly basic solutions and will degrade after about a day. However, they can be produced at home by using bleach, and can be stabilized by precipitation with barium. Anhydrous ferrates are stable if they are pure; if impure, they quickly decompose even in an anhydrous state, unless the contaminant is a strong alkali, which, on the contrary, works as a stabilizer. Although ferrates are powerful oxidizers, they are mild and will not ignite organic materials.
 +
 
 +
Ferrates are salts of ferric acid H<sub>2</sub>FeO<sub>4</sub>, which is so unstable that it immediately decomposes on formation. The anhydride, FeO<sub>3</sub>, is also so far impossible to isolate.
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
−
Due to the superior mechanical and chemical properties of steel, most items that contain iron are normally alloys. Some sources of steel wool however, use pure iron metal. Despite sounding like it contains less carbon than steel, "cast iron" contains at least twice as much carbon as high-carbon steel, making it less usable than steel as an iron source. Railroad spikes, cleaned with a file, can serve as bulk iron electrodes for producing solutions of soluble iron compounds, and are totally free. Occasionally pieces of discarded iron can be found near welded railway tracks, which are high purity iron.
+
Due to the superior mechanical and chemical properties of steel, most items that contain iron are normally alloys. Some sources of steel wool however, use pure iron metal. Despite sounding like it contains less carbon than steel, "cast iron" contains at least twice as much carbon as high-carbon steel, making it less usable than steel as an iron source. Railroad spikes, cleaned with a file, can serve as bulk iron electrodes for producing solutions of soluble iron compounds, and are totally free. Occasionally pieces of discarded iron can be found near welded railway tracks, which are high purity iron. However, most pieces of iron tend to be lodged in slag, which should be removed.
  
 
==Preparation==
 
==Preparation==
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:Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> + Al → Fe + Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>
 
:Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> + Al → Fe + Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>
  
−
High purity iron powder can be produced by reducing an iron salt with hydrogen. A more accessible way is via decomposition of [[iron(II) oxalate]]. This yields iron [[carbon dioxide]], [[carbon monoxide]], iron(III) oxide (if oxygen is present) and pyrophoric black iron.
+
The reaction also produces lots of slag as side product.
 +
 
 +
High purity iron powder can be produced by reducing an iron salt with [[hydrogen]]. A more accessible way is via decomposition of [[iron(II) oxalate]]. This yields iron [[carbon dioxide]], [[carbon monoxide]], iron(III) oxide (if oxygen is present) and pyrophoric black iron.
  
 
==Projects==
 
==Projects==
−
*Making pyrophoric iron via ferrous oxalate[[File:Sm.jpg|thumb|Potassium Ferrioxalate - Made by SM user Hegi]]
+
*Making pyrophoric iron via ferrous oxalate
 
*Prussian blue
 
*Prussian blue
 
*Ferric-thiosulfate complexes 
 
*Ferric-thiosulfate complexes 
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===Disposal===
 
===Disposal===
 
Iron and iron compounds can be safely dumped in the environment, as they pose little toxicity. Iron halides however, will hydrolyze to release their respective acids and should be neutralized before disposal.
 
Iron and iron compounds can be safely dumped in the environment, as they pose little toxicity. Iron halides however, will hydrolyze to release their respective acids and should be neutralized before disposal.
 +
 +
==Gallery==
 +
===Element===
 +
<gallery widths="220" position="center" columns="2" orientation="none">
 +
Many steel tools.jpg|Tools made of [[steel]], the most common form of iron encountered.
 +
Various metal tweezers.jpg|Tweezers made of stainless steel and plain carbon steel.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===Compounds===
 +
<gallery widths="220" position="center" columns="2" orientation="none">
 +
Potassium Ferrioxalate by SM user Hegi.jpg|Potassium Ferrioxalate - Made by SM user Hegi
 +
Potassium ferrioxalate.jpg|Potassium ferrioxalate crystals
 +
Iron_oxalate.jpg|Iron(II) oxalate
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=152960 How would I Extract Iron from Bog Iron]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=5639 Preperation of powdered Iron]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=21434 Reason why iron and acid smells bad.]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=18418 Iron Oxalate]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=18418 Iron Oxalate]
−
 
  
 
[[Category:Elements]]
 
[[Category:Elements]]
 
[[Category:Metals]]
 
[[Category:Metals]]
−
[[Category:Iron Compounds]]
+
[[Category:Transition metals]]
 +
[[Category:Reducing agents]]
 +
[[Category:Materials unstable in acidic solution]]
 +
[[Category:D-block]]

Latest revision as of 22:51, 26 August 2023

Iron,  26Fe
220
Two easily available iron sources, with very different surface areas: Steel wool and railroad spikes.
General properties
Name, symbol Iron, Fe
Appearance Metallic gray
Iron in the periodic table

↑
Fe
↓
Ru
Manganese ← Iron → Cobalt
Atomic number 26
Standard atomic weight (Ar) 55.845(2)
Group, block , d-block
Period period 4
Electron configuration [Ar] 3d6 4s2
per shell
 2, 8, 14, 2
Physical properties
Metallic gray
Phase Solid
Melting point 1811 K ​(1538 °C, ​​2800 °F)
Boiling point 3134 K ​(2862 °C, ​5182 °F)
Density near r.t. 7.874 g/cm3
when liquid, at  6.98 g/cm3
Heat of fusion 13.81 kJ/mol
Heat of 340 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity 25.1 J/(mol·K)
 pressure
Atomic properties
Oxidation states −4, −2, −1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7 ​(an amphoteric oxide)
Electronegativity Pauling scale: 1.83
energies 1st: 762.5 kJ/mol
2nd: 1561.9 kJ/mol
3rd: 2957 kJ/mol
Atomic radius empirical: 126 pm
Miscellanea
Crystal structure ​Bbody-centered cubic (bcc)
a=286.65 pm
Crystal structure ​Face-centered cubic (fcc)
Between 1185–1667 K
Speed of sound thin rod 5120 m/s (at ) (electrolytic)
Thermal expansion 11.8 µm/(m·K) (at 25 °C)
Thermal conductivity 80.4 W/(m·K)
Electrical resistivity 9.61·10-8 Ω·m (at 20 °C)
Curie point 1043 K
Magnetic ordering Ferromagnetic
Young's modulus 211 GPa
Shear modulus 82 GPa
Bulk modulus 170 GPa
Poisson ratio 0.29
Mohs hardness 4
Vickers hardness 608 MPa
Brinell hardness 200–1180 MPa
CAS Registry Number 7439-89-6
History
Before 5000 BC
· references

Iron (chemical symbol Fe) is element number 26 on the periodic table. It is one of the elements known since antiquity, and has long been prized for its strength and ability to form even stronger alloys, such as steel. In the lab, iron can be either a useful reagent or an annoying contaminant. Its coordination chemistry is not as extensive as that of some other transition metals, but several complexes are known.

Properties

Physical

Iron is a silvery gray metal. It has a melting point of 1538 degrees C. It is commonly known to be ferromagnetic, the word being partially derived from the Latin word for iron. It is known to exist in four allotropes, and it may exist in a fifth. Very pure single-crystal iron, used for research purposes, is far weaker structurally than aluminum metal.

Chemical

Iron forms compounds most commonly found in it's ferrous(II) and ferric(III) oxidation states, but it can exist in the (IV) and (VI) valence states as ferrates. Other oxidation states are possible present no interest to the amateur chemist.

Iron reacts with air in the presence of water to form Fe2O3, commonly known as rust. It also will form mixed valence compounds like magnetite (Fe3O4), that contain both ferrous and ferric state iron in their structure. Magnetite may be produced by ignition of steel wool. Iron reacts with the halogens to form its halide salts. It will also react with sulfur at elevated temperatures if finely divided to form iron sulfide (FeS). In solution, iron tends to form ferrous salts, but the addition of hydrogen peroxide (and often atmospheric oxygen) will promote the formation of ferric compounds.

Iron metal will react with diluted acids, such as hydrochloric acid, but passivates in contact with concentrated acids, such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid.

The ferrous state of iron is normally soluble in water and is resistant to oxidation in acidic solution. In basic solution, however, iron(II) oxide will precipitate and be oxidized by water to iron(III) oxide. Solid iron(II) sulfate may oxidize in air to form iron(III) oxide deposits.

The ferric state of iron is only soluble in acidic solutions and will quickly convert to hydrous iron(III) oxide if the acidity is reduced. This is a source of annoyance for most chemists. However, interesting color changes may occur due to complex formation. One example is iron(III) nitrate: it is lavender in the solid state, but dissolves to form a rust-colored solution, with the dominant iron species being [Fe(H2O)5OH]2+. A small amount of acid will turn this solution clear as the [Fe(H2O)5OH]2+ is converted to [Fe(H2O)6]3+. Ferric compounds, such as iron(III) chloride, are strongly Lewis acidic.

Iron(III) iodide is unstable with respect to disproportionation. When an iodide-containing solution is added to a solution containing ferric ion, iron(II) iodide and iron precipitate.

A relatively sensitive test for ferric iron is the addition of thiocyanates, which form a deep red complex. This can be used to make fake blood as a party trick.

Both oxidation states readily from complexes with water, cyanide, nitrous oxide (ferrous only) and oxalates (ferric only)[1]

Ferrates(VI) are compounds of iron in the +6 state. These are only stable in strongly basic solutions and will degrade after about a day. However, they can be produced at home by using bleach, and can be stabilized by precipitation with barium. Anhydrous ferrates are stable if they are pure; if impure, they quickly decompose even in an anhydrous state, unless the contaminant is a strong alkali, which, on the contrary, works as a stabilizer. Although ferrates are powerful oxidizers, they are mild and will not ignite organic materials.

Ferrates are salts of ferric acid H2FeO4, which is so unstable that it immediately decomposes on formation. The anhydride, FeO3, is also so far impossible to isolate.

Availability

Due to the superior mechanical and chemical properties of steel, most items that contain iron are normally alloys. Some sources of steel wool however, use pure iron metal. Despite sounding like it contains less carbon than steel, "cast iron" contains at least twice as much carbon as high-carbon steel, making it less usable than steel as an iron source. Railroad spikes, cleaned with a file, can serve as bulk iron electrodes for producing solutions of soluble iron compounds, and are totally free. Occasionally pieces of discarded iron can be found near welded railway tracks, which are high purity iron. However, most pieces of iron tend to be lodged in slag, which should be removed.

Preparation

Pure iron can be prepared via the classical thermite reaction.

Fe2O3 + Al → Fe + Al2O3

The reaction also produces lots of slag as side product.

High purity iron powder can be produced by reducing an iron salt with hydrogen. A more accessible way is via decomposition of iron(II) oxalate. This yields iron carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, iron(III) oxide (if oxygen is present) and pyrophoric black iron.

Projects

  • Making pyrophoric iron via ferrous oxalate
  • Prussian blue
  • Ferric-thiosulfate complexes 
  • Thiocyanate complexes
  • Making fake blood
  • Making ferrates
  • Making and using ferric chloride etchants
  • Thermite
  • Extracting iron from breakfast cereal or dirt
  • Making a heating pack

Handling

Safety

Iron in the form of steel wool or powder is highly flammable. Caution must be taken when working with it near an open flame. Its oxides and halides will stain clothing.

Iron is a necessary trace element, found in nearly all living organisms. Iron-containing enzymes and proteins, often containing heme prosthetic groups, participate in many crucial biological oxidations and in transport. Iron is the metal ion in the haemoglobin organometallic complex.

Storage

Iron metal can be stored in open air, but will rust in moist or polluted air. Iron that was cleaned with an acid will quickly rust in air, unless protected. Iron powder can be pyrophoric and should be stored in closed bottles.

Disposal

Iron and iron compounds can be safely dumped in the environment, as they pose little toxicity. Iron halides however, will hydrolyze to release their respective acids and should be neutralized before disposal.

Gallery

Element

  • Tools made of steel, the most common form of iron encountered.

  • Tweezers made of stainless steel and plain carbon steel.

Compounds

  • Potassium Ferrioxalate - Made by SM user Hegi

  • Potassium ferrioxalate crystals

  • Iron(II) oxalate

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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