| Uses | Iron(III) nitrate is used as a mordant for dyeing black and buff. Other applications are in tanning; weighting silks; and in preparation of analytical standards, as a fertilizer and food additive.
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| Preparation | Iron(III) nitrate is prepared by the action of nitric acid on iron filings or iron oxide followed by crystallization:
2Fe + 6HNO3 → 2Fe(NO3)3 + 3H2
Fe2O3 + 6HNO3 → 2Fe(NO3)3 + 3H2O
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| Chemical Properties | Ferric nitrate is a pale violet, green, or
grayish-white, odorless solid in lumpy crystals (like salt). |
| Chemical Properties | Violet crystals. Soluble in water and alcohol. |
| Physical properties | The nonahydrate form occurs as grayish-violet crystal; density 1.68 g/cm3; hygroscopic; decomposes at 47°C; very soluble in water, alcohol and acetone. |
| Uses | Dyeing (mordant for buffs and blacks), tanning,
analytical chemistry. |
| General Description | A violet crystalline solid. Noncombustible but Ferric nitrate will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in the fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure of the material to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving Ferric nitrate. Ferric nitrate is used for dyeing and tanning, in chemical analysis, and in medicine.It is a strong oxidant and irritant,and a fire hazard when in contact with organic substances.
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| Air & Water Reactions | Soluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile | Ferric nitrate is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick, 1979 p. 108-109]. |
| Hazard | Dangerous fire risk in contact with organic
materials. Strong oxidant and irritant. |
| Health Hazard | Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Dust irritates eyes and can irritate skin on prolonged contact. |
| Safety Profile | Mutation data reported.A reactive oxidizer. |
| Potential Exposure | Ferric nitrate is used in textile dyeing,
tanning, and weighting silk. |
| Shipping | UN1466 Ferric nitrate, Hazard Class: 5.1;
Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer. |
| Incompatibilities | An oxidizer. Keep away from reducing
agents, oxidizable materials and combustibles including
metal powders, sulfur, and organic materials, combustibles,and easily oxidizable materials. Light sensitive. Aqueous
solution is corrosive to metals. |
