(http://www.prepchem.

com)

MENU

SEARCH BY IUPAC, CAS, INCHI, SMILES, SYNONYMS, ETC.

Preparation of iron (III) nitrate

Iron (III) nitrate is prepared by reacting iron with concentrated nitric acid:

(http://www.prepchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Preparation-of-iron-III-nitratefrom-iron-and-concentrated-nitric-acid.png)
Preparation of iron (III) nitrate from iron and concentrated nitric acid

If diluted nitric acid is used the reaction goes by following equation:

(http://www.prepchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Preparation-of-iron-III-nitratefrom-iron-and-diluted-nitric-acid.png)
Preparation of iron (III) nitrate from iron and diluted nitric acid

To a mixture of 100 ml of concentrated nitric acid and 30 ml of water, 50 g of iron filings or fine
turnings in small portions are added. The rate of reaction can be regulated by the rate of
addition of iron and by gently heating the mixture but not above 70 C. When the iron has
practically all dissolved, the solution is filtered and set it aside to crystallize. The filtrate is usually
dark in color owing to the presence of colloidal basic nitrates. These salts are gradually
converted into the normal nitrate, and the color becomes very much lighter. If no crystals form

after standing the crystallization can be initiated by addition of concentratednitric acid since the
crystals are somewhat less soluble in nitric acid than in water. The crystals of iron (III) nitrate
filtered and dried in vacuum.
Laboratory methods of inorganic chemistry by H. Biltz, 1928