Ferrous oxalate dihydrate

Description

Iron(II) oxalate, FeC204.2H20, is precipitated as yellow crystals from solutions containing iron(II) and oxalate ions ; in the presence of excess alkali metal oxalate, however, soluble oxalato complexes M2[Fe(C2O4)2] are formed which can be precipitated by the addition of alcohol. The oxalate is paramagnetic with μeff= 5·2 B.M. at room temperature.

Chemical properties

yellow powder
Ferrous oxalate, or iron(II) oxalate, is a chemical compound consisting of one iron(II) ion (Fe2) and one oxalate ion (C2O4(2−)). It has the chemical formula FeC2O4. Iron(II) oxalate is more commonly encountered as the dihydrate, FeC2O4·2H2O, CAS # 6047-25-2. Its crystal structure consists of chains of oxalate-bridged iron atoms, capped by water molecules. When heated, it dehydrates and decomposes into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, iron oxides and pyrophoric black iron.

The Uses of Ferrous oxalate dihydrate

It is used as photographic developer for silver bromide-gelatin plates. It imparts greenish-brown tint to optical glass (sunglasses, windshields, railroad car windows), for decorative glassware, pigment for plastics, paints and lacquers. It acts as reagent.