Properties | More Info | Isotopes | Spectra
Compounds | Reactions | Production
Atomic: M.A.C. | Reference
Images | Video
Iron Compounds
   Haemoglobin
   Iron(II) sulfate
   Iron(III) chloride
   Iron(III) oxide
Haemoglobin C2952H4664N812O832S8Fe4
The iron-containing oxygen-transport metalloprotein in the red cells of the blood in mammals and other animals. Hemoglobin in vertebrates transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, such as to the muscles, where it releases the oxygen load. Hemoglobin also has a variety of other gas-transport and effect-modulation duties, which vary from species to species, and which in invertebrates may be quite diverse.
Iron(II) sulfate FeSO4.H2O
In horticulture it is used as a lawn conditioner and moss killer, traditionally referred to as sulphate of iron.
Ferrous sulfate is also used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Side effects of therapy may include nausea and epigastric abdominal discomfort after taking iron. These side effects can be minimized by taking ferrous sulfate at bedtime.
Ferrous sulfate can also be used to colour concrete. It is best used for newly cured concrete. Mix with water until saturated and spray onto concrete. The colour will range from yellow to rust.
Iron(III) chloride FeCl3
: Highly Corrosive : Toxic :
Most widely used for etching copper in the production of printed circuit boards.
Iron(III) chloride is also used as a catalyst for the reaction of ethylene with chlorine, forming ethylene dichloride (1,2-Dichloroethane), an important commodity chemical, which is mainly used for the industrial production of vinyl chloride, the monomer for making PVC.
It is also commonly used by knife craftsmen and swordsmiths to stain blades, as to give a contrasting effect to the metal, and also to view metal layering or imperfections.
Iron(III) oxide Fe2O3
Used in magnetic storage, for example in the magnetic layer of floppy disks.
A very fine powder of ferric oxide is known as jeweller's rouge, red rouge, or simply rouge. It is used to put the final polish on metallic jewellery and lenses, and historically as a cosmetic.