Ferric Nitrate – CAS No. 10421-48-4

Product Overview

Ferric Nitrate, chemically formulated as Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O with CAS Number 10421-48-4, is a hygroscopic inorganic compound widely utilized as a coagulant, analytical reagent, and catalyst in water treatment, chemical synthesis, and laboratory applications. This violet crystalline solid exhibits high solubility in water (approximately 100 g/100 mL at 20°C) and a mildly acidic pH (around 2.0-3.0 in 1% solution), enabling effective flocculation of suspended particles and oxidation reactions. With a purity ≥98%, it provides a stable source of ferric ions for precipitating phosphates, heavy metals, and colloids, while its deliquescent nature requires sealed storage to prevent moisture absorption. Ferric Nitrate accelerates combustion and serves as a mordant in dyeing, offering versatility across industrial and research sectors without introducing sodium or other alkali metals.

Key benefits of Ferric Nitrate include:

  • Superior Coagulation: Forms dense flocs for rapid sedimentation in wastewater, achieving 90%+ turbidity removal.
  • High Solubility: Dissolves readily for precise dosing in aqueous systems, minimizing undissolved residues.
  • Oxidizing Power: Facilitates electron transfer in catalytic processes, enhancing reaction rates.
  • Analytical Precision: Provides clear ferric solutions for spectrophotometric and titration methods.
  • Eco-Compatible: Biodegradable nitrate component supports sustainable water purification practices.

Ferric Nitrate is synthesized by dissolving iron(III) oxide in nitric acid, followed by crystallization, ensuring consistent hydrate content and low impurities for reliable performance.

Technical Specifications

Property Value/Description
Chemical Formula Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O
CAS Number 10421-48-4
Molecular Weight 404.00 g/mol
Appearance Violet crystalline solid
Purity ≥98%
Iron Content (Fe) 10-11%
pH (1% Solution) 2.0-3.0
Solubility in Water 100 g/100 mL at 20°C
Density 1.68 g/cm³
Melting Point 47.2°C (decomposes)
Storage Cool, dry place; airtight containers

These specifications confirm Ferric Nitrate’s suitability for high-precision coagulation and synthetic applications.

Applications

Water and Wastewater Treatment

  • Coagulant Aid: Dosed at 10-50 ppm to enhance flocculation in municipal and industrial effluents, removing phosphates and metals for compliance with discharge standards.
  • Pool and Spa Clarification: Applied at 5-20 ppm to precipitate organics and restore water clarity without chlorine interference.

Chemical and Laboratory Uses

  • Catalyst in Organic Synthesis: 1-5% loadings in oxidation reactions for alcohols to aldehydes, improving yields in pharmaceutical intermediates.
  • Analytical Reagents: Standard for iron determination via colorimetry, providing sharp endpoints in titrations.

Industrial Processes

  • Dyeing and Tanning: Mordant at 2-5% in textile baths to fix pigments on fibers, ensuring color fastness.
  • Pigment Production: Precursor for iron oxide pigments in paints and ceramics, contributing to vibrant red hues.

Why Choose Our Ferric Nitrate?

Our Ferric Nitrate is refined from high-purity nitric acid with chloride <0.01% and heavy metals <5 ppm, delivering exceptional floc density and reaction speed. Water treatment operators achieve 20% faster settling times and reduced sludge volumes. Available in lab, technical, and industrial grades, packaged in 25kg bags, 50kg drums, or 1000kg supersacks, with nonahydrate form for optimal handling and full compliance with REACH and USP standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ferric Nitrate?

Ferric Nitrate is an iron(III) salt with formula Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and CAS 10421-48-4, used as a coagulant and reagent. It’s a violet, water-soluble crystal that supplies ferric ions for flocculation and oxidation in treatment and synthesis.

How is Ferric Nitrate used in water treatment?

Add 20-40 ppm to influent streams after pH adjustment to 7-8; it hydrolyzes to form ferric hydroxide flocs, trapping impurities for sedimentation in clarifiers.

Is Ferric Nitrate safe for environmental discharge?

Yes, at regulated doses (<5 mg/L iron), it complies with EPA limits; nitrates are naturally occurring, and ferric ions precipitate harmlessly without bioaccumulation.

What is the shelf life of Ferric Nitrate?

In sealed, dry storage below 30°C, it remains stable for 1-2 years, though deliquescent—use desiccants to prevent hydrate imbalance.

Can Ferric Nitrate be combined with other coagulants?

It synergizes with alum or polymers at 1:1 ratios for denser flocs but avoid alkaline agents to prevent premature precipitation; jar tests optimize blends.

Does Ferric Nitrate affect solution pH?

Its acidic pH (2.0-3.0) lowers system pH slightly, requiring lime or soda ash for neutralization in neutral effluents.

What packaging options are available for Ferric Nitrate?

We supply 25kg polyethylene bags, 50kg fiber drums, and 1000kg bulk liners, all moisture-barrier protected for safe transport.

For coagulation trials, purity certificates, or custom hydrates, our chemical experts are available.

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