Potassium ferricyanide 99.5+%

What is Potassium Hexacyanoferrate(III)?

Potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III) is a salt with the formula unit K3[Fe(CN)6]. It is also called potassium ferricyanide, potassium ferricyanide, red lye salt or red potash; according to the older IUPAC nomenclature also as potassium hexacyanoferrate(III). The aqueous solution is yellow in color and decomposes in the light to form iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3).

What is Potassium Hexacyanoferrate used for?

The salt is used as a mild oxidizing agent in organic synthesis. In analyzes it is used to detect iron(II) ions. This creates the so-called Berlin Blue.

Cyanotypes are made with potassium hexacyanoferrate and ammonium iron citrate. It is also used in painting, as a steel hardener, as a wood stain and in analog photography.

If used incorrectly, the highly toxic hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide) can be formed from potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III) through various reactions. This danger is particularly present in reactions with strong acids under the influence of heat. Also, hydrocyanic acid can be released under unfavorable conditions when it comes into contact with strong acids in the cold, since potassium hexacyanidoferrate(III), in contrast to potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II), shows a weak ligand exchange of water and cyanide.

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Technical information

Potassium ferricyanide, Red prussiate or potash
Empirical formula K3[Fe(CN)6]
Molar mass (M) 329.25 g/mol
Density (D) 1.893 g/cm³
WCK 2
CAS no. 13746-66-2
EC-No. 237-323-3
ADR III UN3077

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Supplemental hazard information
EUH032 Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.