Synthesis of Potassium Tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) Trihydrate

2020-06-04

Synthesis of Potassium Tris(oxalato)ferrate(III) Trihydrate, K₃[Fe(C₂O₄)₃]·3H₂O

Ferrous ammonium sulfate hexahydrate was dissolved in water, and the solution was acidified with sulfuric acid. Oxalic acid was then added, resulting in the formation of ferrous oxalate, FeC₂O₄, as a precipitate. After decanting the supernatant, the precipitate was washed with hot water. Potassium oxalate was added to create a slightly basic solution, facilitating the oxidation of Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ using hydrogen peroxide.

The solution was heated, and additional oxalic acid was added until it turned clear green, indicating the formation of the complex. Ethanol was then slowly added to precipitate the product, and the mixture was cooled in an ice bath to obtain a crop of crystals.

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