What is Iron(III) nitrate?
[[File:Fe III nitrate.jpg|thumb|Iron(III) nitrate]] <!--[[File:Iron(III)-nitrate-nonahydrate-sample.jpg|thumb|Iron(III) nitrate]] don't know if this is right pic --> '''Iron(III) nitrate''', also known as '''ferric nitrate''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Fe(NO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>3</sub>. It contains [[iron]] in its +3 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[nitrate]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== Iron(III) nitrate is a light purple solid. It dissolves easily in water. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. It is [[acid]]ic. It absorbs water easily to make a hydrate (chemical with water molecules attached to it). ==Preparation== It is made by reacting iron or [[iron(III) oxide]] with [[nitric acid]]. The reaction of iron with nitric acid makes [[nitrogen dioxide]]. Nitrogen dioxide is a brown and toxic gas. ==Uses== It is used to [[wikt:etch|etch]] [[silver]] [[alloy]]s. It is also used to make [[sodium amide]]. It acts as a [[catalyst]] in this reaction. It can be mixed with clay to make an [[oxidant]] clay. This oxidant clay can be used to make [[organic chemistry|organic]] molecules. ==Safety== Iron(III) nitrate is oxidizing, so it can [[combustion|catch things on fire]]. It is also corrosive to metal and can burn skin. ==Related pages== *[[Iron(III) chloride]] *[[Iron(III) sulfate]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]] [[Category:Iron compounds]]