ironcontaining

Iron-containing is an adjective used to describe any chemical compound, material, or biological entity that includes iron as part of its composition. The descriptor applies across chemistry, biochemistry, geology, and materials science and does not imply a specific structure or oxidation state.

In chemistry, iron-containing compounds range from simple salts such as ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and ferric chloride (FeCl3) to coordination complexes of iron with various ligands, and to iron oxides such as hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).

In biology, many proteins are iron-containing; heme proteins such as hemoglobin and myoglobin rely on iron to bind and transport oxygen. Iron-sulfur proteins, ferritin, and transferrin are also iron-containing and participate in electron transfer and storage.

In materials and geology, iron-containing materials include steels and cast irons (iron alloys), as well as minerals such as hematite, magnetite, goethite. Iron oxides are common pigments and catalysts.

Safety and properties: Iron's ability to cycle between oxidation states (Fe2+ and Fe3+) underpins redox chemistry and magnetism. While iron is an essential nutrient, excess iron can be harmful, and iron-bearing materials are prone to corrosion (rust) in the presence of water and oxygen.

The term is a general descriptive label rather than a precise class name, used when the presence of iron is a relevant attribute.