IronOH3

IronOH3 is a chemical compound with the formula Fe(OH)3. It is a precipitate that forms when iron(III) ions react with hydroxide ions. In aqueous solutions, iron(III) salts like iron(III) chloride or iron(III) sulfate will react with bases such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to produce iron(III) hydroxide as a solid. The reaction can be represented as Fe³⁺(aq) + 3OH⁻(aq) → Fe(OH)3(s).

Iron(III) hydroxide is typically observed as a reddish-brown to orange-brown gelatinous solid. Its solubility in water is very low, meaning it does not readily dissolve. The compound is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and strong bases. With acids, it will dissolve to form iron(III) salts. With very strong bases, it can form soluble ferrate(III) complexes, though this is less common than its reaction with acids.

In nature, iron(III) hydroxide is not a stable mineral and typically transforms into iron oxides and oxyhydroxides over time, such as goethite (FeO(OH)) or hematite (Fe₂O₃). These transformations are part of the weathering process of iron-bearing minerals. Iron(III) hydroxide plays a role in water treatment processes, where it is used as a coagulant to help remove impurities.