Potassium Ferricyanide

K₃[Fe(CN)₆]

IUPAC: Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)

CAS: 13746-66-2

Overview

Potassium ferricyanide is a bright red salt used in blueprint photography, electroplating, and as a mild oxidizing agent. Despite containing cyanide groups, it is relatively non-toxic.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Carbon C 6 12.0110
Nitrogen N 6 14.0070
Potassium K 3 39.0980
Iron Fe 1 55.8450

Elemental Composition

C
Carbon ×6
21.9%
N
Nitrogen ×6
25.5%
K
Potassium ×3
35.6%
Fe
Iron ×1
17.0%

Uses

  • • Blueprint making
  • • Electroplating
  • • Prussian blue synthesis
  • • Iron staining in histology

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The deep blue pigment Prussian blue is made from this compound, accidentally discovered in 1706

Safety

  • ⚠ Low toxicity despite CN groups
  • ⚠ Releases HCN with strong acid

Structure

SMILES

[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[C-]#N.[K+].[K+].[K+].[Fe+3]

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
solid
Molar Mass
329.25 g/mol
Density
1.8900 g/cm³
Solubility
464 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
328.8445
TPSA
143.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
12
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
16
Complexity
127.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Ferricyanide?
Potassium Ferricyanide (K₃[Fe(CN)₆]) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III).
What is the molecular weight of Potassium Ferricyanide?
Potassium Ferricyanide has a molar mass of 329.25 g/mol.
What state is Potassium Ferricyanide at room temperature?
Potassium Ferricyanide is a solid at room temperature.
Is Potassium Ferricyanide organic or inorganic?
Potassium Ferricyanide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Potassium Ferricyanide?
Potassium Ferricyanide (K₃[Fe(CN)₆]) is composed of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Iron (Fe).