Ferric

Ferric

Ferric is a term that means containing or having to do with iron, derived from the Latin word "ferrum", meaning "iron". In chemistry the term is reserved for iron with an oxidation number of +3, denoted iron(III) or Fe3+, whereas ferrous indicates that it has oxidation number of +2, denoted iron(II) or Fe2+, which combine with other atoms to form molecules.

Ferric iron is relatively insoluble in water. A salt (chemistry) of ferric iron hydrolyzes water and produces iron(III) oxide-hydroxides while contributing hydrogen ions to the solution, lowering the pH compared to a solution of equal molarity (based on the anion concentration) solution of the analogous sodium or potassium salt.

Ferric dosing can be used to mitigate the impact of nutrient loading in lakes by reducing the bioavailability of phosphorus in the water column. This can aid management strategies for reducing eutrophication in lake systems.

Ferric oxide, formula Fe2O3 is red-brown colored and the main constituent of the mineral hematite.

A synonym of ferric, deriving from the Germanic roots instead of the Latin, is ironic. For example: magnets only attract to ironic substances.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ferric — Fer ric, a. [L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See {Ferrous}.] Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric oxide;… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • ferric — 1799, from L. ferrum iron (see FERRO (Cf. ferro )) + IC (Cf. ic). Of iron, especially with a valence of three …   Etymology dictionary

  • ferric — ► ADJECTIVE Chemistry ▪ of iron with a valency of three. ORIGIN from Latin ferrum iron …   English terms dictionary

  • ferric — [fer′ik] adj. [< L ferrum, iron (see FERRO ) + IC] 1. of, containing, or derived from iron 2. Chem. designating or of trivalent iron, or compounds containing such iron: distinguished from FERROUS …   English World dictionary

  • Ferric subsulfate solution — Systematic (IUPAC) name Iron(+3) cation dihydroxide pentasulfate Clinical data Pregnancy cat …   Wikipedia

  • Ferric acid — Ferric Fer ric, a. [L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See {Ferrous}.] Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Ferric oxide — Ferric Fer ric, a. [L. ferrum iron: cf. F. ferrique. See {Ferrous}.] Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Ferric Oxide —   [engl.], Eisenoxid …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Ferric RAM —   [dt. »eisernes RAM«], F RAM …   Universal-Lexikon

  • ferric ferrocyanide — n PRUSSIAN BLUE (2) …   Medical dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”