Potassium ferricyanide

Not to be confused with potassium ferrocyanide.

Potassium ferricyanide

K3[Fe(CN)6] on a watchglass.
Names
IUPAC name Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)
Other names Red prussiate of potash Prussian red Tripotassium ferriccyanide Tripotassium iron hexacyanide
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES C(#N)[Fe-3](C#N)(C#N)(C#N)(C#N)C#N.[K+].[K+].[K+]
Properties
Chemical formula	K3[Fe(CN)6]
Molar mass	329.24 g/mol
Appearance	Dark red/red-orange crystals
Odor	Odorless
Density	1.89 g/cm3
Melting point	300 °C (572 °F; 573 K) (Decomposes)
Boiling point	(Decomposes)
Solubility in water	464 g/L (20 °C)
Solubility	Soluble in acids Slightly soluble in alcohols
Vapor pressure	~0 mmHg
Hazards
Safety data sheet	AcrosOrganics
Flash point	Non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds	Prussian blue Potassium ferrocyanide Sodium nitroprusside
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium ferricyanide is an iron coordination complex with the formula K₃[Fe(CN)₆].

Properties

Chemical

Reaction with a strong acid, such as conc. hydrochloric acid will release hydrogen cyanide:

K₃[Fe(CN)₆] + 6 HCl → 6 HCN + FeCl₃ + 3 KCl

Physical

Potassium ferricyanide is a deep red solid, soluble in water.

Availability

Potassium ferricyanide can be bought online.

Preparation

Potassium ferricyanide can be made by bubbling chlorine through a solution of potassium ferrocyanide.

K₄[Fe(CN)₆] + ½ Cl₂ → K₃[Fe(CN)₆] + KCl

Projects

• Classic photography
• Ferroxyl indicator solution
• Make fake blood
• Make potassium cyanide

Handling

Safety

Potassium ferricyanide has low toxicity, but solutions tend to stain.

Reaction with very strong acids may release hydrogen cyanide which is exceedingly toxic.

Storage

In closed bottles, far away from strong acidic vapors.

Disposal

No special disposal is required, though try not to dump large amounts at once.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Preparation of Potassium Ferricyanide
• Potassium Ferricyanide crystals
• Potassium ferricyanide
• Potassium ferricyanide