hexammineferric

Hexammineferric, also known as trioxalatoferrate(III) or ferric oxalate complex, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula [Fe(C2O4)3]3-. It is a coordination complex where a central iron(III) ion is coordinated to three oxalate ligands. Oxalate (C2O4^2-) is a bidentate ligand, meaning each oxalate ion binds to the iron atom through two oxygen atoms. The overall charge of the complex ion is -3, and it is typically balanced by a cation, such as potassium or sodium, to form a neutral salt.

Hexammineferric compounds are often crystalline solids and can vary in color depending on the specific cation and hydration state. They are generally soluble in water. The iron in this complex is in the +3 oxidation state. The oxalate ligand is derived from oxalic acid, a dicarboxylic acid.

The synthesis of hexammineferric compounds usually involves reacting an iron(III) salt with an oxalate salt in solution, often under controlled pH conditions. These complexes can be used as precursors for the synthesis of other iron-containing materials or in analytical chemistry. The stability of the hexammineferric complex is attributed to the chelate effect, where the bidentate nature of the oxalate ligand leads to a more stable complex compared to monodentate ligands.