Ammonium Ferric Sulphate Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION
Ammonium Ferric Sulphate Extra Pure, also known as ferric ammonium sulfate or iron alum, is a high-purity, violet to light purple crystalline compound used extensively in laboratory settings for analytical and inorganic chemistry. It serves as a reliable oxidizing agent and a standard in redox titrations, particularly in permanganometry. Its stable and non-hygroscopic nature makes it ideal for preparing standard iron solutions, studying coordination complexes, and teaching laboratory procedures involving iron(III) salts. The extra pure grade ensures minimal interference from impurities, enabling accurate and reproducible results in sensitive experiments. It should be stored in a dry, cool environment in well-sealed containers to preserve its chemical integrity.
- USES
Primary Uses
- Analytical Reagent in Redox Titrations
- Commonly used as a primary standard oxidizing agent in permanganate titrations due to its stable Fe³⁺ content.
- Source of Fe³⁺ Ions in Inorganic Chemistry
- Provides ferric ions for precipitation reactions, coordination complex formation, or qualitative cation testing.
- Educational Demonstrations in Oxidation States
- Useful in showing iron’s multiple oxidation states and transitions in redox reactions.
- Precursor in Laboratory Synthesis of Iron Compounds
- Used to prepare iron oxides, hydroxides, or mixed salts in controlled synthesis procedures.
- Buffering and Ionic Strength Control in Solution Chemistry
- Sulfate and ammonium content make it suitable for adjusting solution properties in ionic strength experiments.
Secondary Uses
- Crystallization and Crystal Growth Studies
- Forms large, well-defined purple crystals—commonly used in educational labs to demonstrate crystallization techniques.
- Reagent in Photographic and Printing Chemistry (Historical/Research Use)
- Investigated in processes like cyanotype printing and iron-based photographic techniques.
- Environmental Chemistry Simulations
- Models the behavior of Fe³⁺ and sulfate ions in soil or aquatic systems in lab-scale remediation studies.
- Corrosion and Electrochemical Testing
- Used in studies of iron corrosion and electrochemical potential shifts under various pH and ionic conditions.
- Indicator of Complexation Reactions
- Its Fe³⁺ center is sensitive to ligand exchange, making it suitable for use in complexometric titration demonstrations.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Ammonium Ferric Sulphate
- CAS Number: 10138-04-2
- HS Code: 28332990 (Other sulphates of iron)
- Molecular Formula: NH₄Fe(SO₄)₂·12H₂O (Dodecahydrate)
- Synonyms:
- Ferric ammonium sulfate
- Iron alum
- Ammonium iron(III) sulfate dodecahydrate
- Iron(III) ammonium sulfate
- Ammonium alum (iron-type)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline)
- Color & Odor: Violet to pale purple crystals; odorless
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Melting Point: ~39°C (loss of water of crystallization)
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.71 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water: Soluble (~20 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Alcohol: Insoluble
- pH Level: ~2.0–3.0 (in 5% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Negligible
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
- Skin Irritation (Category 2)
- Harmful if swallowed (Acute Tox. Oral Cat. 4)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- No specific OSHA/ACGIH limits for this salt
- General nuisance dust limit applies
- Reactivity:
- Reacts with strong bases (releases ammonia)
- Decomposes on heating to emit toxic iron oxides and sulfur oxides
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place
- Avoid exposure to moisture and air (can deliquesce)
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong bases, strong reducing agents
- Container Type:
- Glass or plastic containers with tight lids
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~2 years when stored sealed and dry
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Avoid dust generation
- Use gloves, goggles, lab coat; wash thoroughly after handling
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes (Lab-grade use)
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA and REACH
- Not classified as a hazardous substance in small lab quantities
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not regulated for transport
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Dilute in water and neutralize
- Dispose of iron-containing solutions according to local chemical waste policies
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- May be harmful to aquatic organisms in large amounts
- Persistence in Environment:
- Iron salts persist and may affect soil and aquatic pH
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic
- Biodegradability:
- Inorganic; not biodegradable, but environmentally manageable
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile).
- Use a fume hood or ensure adequate room ventilation to avoid inhaling dust or vapors.
- Handling:
- Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin or eyes.
- Minimize dust generation and accumulation.
- Do not mix with strong reducing agents or bases (can trigger chemical reactions).
- Wash thoroughly after handling.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
- Protect from moisture—the compound is hygroscopic.
- Keep away from incompatible substances such as strong alkalis or reducing agents.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating or touching face.
- Decontaminate work surfaces and tools after use.
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the lab.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath develop.
- Provide oxygen or artificial respiration if needed.
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek medical attention if irritation or a rash develops.
- Eye Contact:
- Immediately rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Keep eyelids open during rinsing.
- Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If the person is conscious, give small amounts of water or milk.
- Seek immediate medical attention—iron compounds can be toxic in large amounts.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), foam, or water spray for surrounding fire.
- Specific Hazards:
- Not flammable, but may decompose when heated, releasing toxic fumes including:
- Sulfur oxides
- Nitrogen oxides
- Iron and ammonia vapors
- Not flammable, but may decompose when heated, releasing toxic fumes including:
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Avoid inhalation of decomposition products.
- Cool exposed containers with water spray.
- Contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination—toxic to aquatic life.
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- SHORT DESCRIPTION