demirIII

DemirIII is the Turkish term for iron in its +3 oxidation state, usually written as iron(III) or Fe3+. In chemistry, demir(III) denotes Fe3+ cations that form a variety of compounds and play key roles in biological systems.

In aqueous solution, Fe3+ forms the hexaaquairon(III) complex [Fe(H2O)6]3+. It is highly prone to hydrolysis, especially as pH rises, giving rise to various hydroxo species and ultimately precipitating as iron(III) hydroxide, Fe(OH)3, which appears as a reddish-brown solid. In minerals, iron(III) occurs in oxides and oxyhydroxides, notably hematite Fe2O3 and goethite FeO(OH).

Common ferric salts include ferric chloride FeCl3 and ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3, used as coagulants in water and wastewater treatment. Iron(III) forms a wide range of coordination complexes and participates in redox chemistry, being reducible to iron(II) under reducing conditions.

Applications and significance: ferric compounds are used in pigments, pesticides, catalysis, and water treatment; iron(III) is also essential in biology, where iron acts as a cofactor in various enzymes and is transported and stored in the Fe3+-bound form, such as transferrin, within organisms.

Safety: ferric salts are corrosive and can irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; ingestion or inhalation should be avoided and proper handling protocols followed.