ijzerIIIhydroxide

IJzer(III)hydroxide, also known as ferric hydroxide, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Fe(OH)3. It is a reddish-brown precipitate that forms when soluble iron(III) salts react with a base. It is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can react with both acids and bases.

In aqueous solution, iron(III) ions are readily hydrolyzed, especially at higher pH, to form iron(III) hydroxide. The compound is not truly a hydroxide in the sense of discrete Fe(OH)3 molecules, but rather a hydrated oxide, often represented as Fe2O3·nH2O. The exact composition can vary depending on the conditions under which it is precipitated.

Iron(III) hydroxide is insoluble in water. It is an important intermediate in the formation of iron oxides, such as rust. In environmental chemistry, it plays a role in the fate and transport of iron in aquatic systems. It can also be used in water treatment as a flocculant to remove impurities. The compound is found naturally in some geological formations.