Transition Metals- Precipitates and Complexes of Iron (III)

Precipitates and Complexes of Iron (III)

Description: A series of reagents is added to ferric ion to form various precipitates and complex ions of increasing stability. The colors are striking: purple, red-brown, yellow, deep red, deep blue, as well as colorless.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1983   Vol: 1   Page: 339

Keywords: Iron (III), Spectrochemical Series, Ligands, Stability, Solubility, Complexation

Ratings:  

Hazard: High

• Electrical shock hazard
• Acute toxicity hazard – oral, dermal, inhalation
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Corrosive to metals
• Specific organ toxicity – kidneys, liver, blood, GI system,  respiratory system
• Acute aquatic toxicity hazard
• Can form poisonous gases when acidified

Effectiveness: Good

• Results are clearly observable without guidance
• Good connection from demo to course material
• Clear contrasts between systems behavior
• Good reliability
• Time to results is medium
• Mild effects are seen by audience

Difficulty: High

• Multi-steps procedures with varying results depending on order of reaction
• Some sequential manipulations
• Use of highly toxic reagents
• Sensitive to additions of reagents in previous steps

Safety Precautions:

• Gloves are required
• Eye protection required
• Use of UL approved three-prong outlet required
• Absorbent materials on hand
• Perform in well-ventilated area
• Avoid exposure to mists, dusts and gases
• Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Aqueous Equilibrium Precipitations, Transition Metal Chemistry

Division: General, Inorganic Chemistry

Home| General Chemistry Demonstrations