CAS Number: 7782-61-8
Linear Formula: Fe(NO3)3 · 9H2O
Molecular Weight: 404.00
IUPAC Name: Iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate
Other Names: Ferric nitrate nonahydrate, Nitric acid, iron(3+) salt
Iron(III) nitrate, or ferric nitrate, is the chemical compound with the formula Fe(NO3)3. Since it is deliquescent, it is commonly found in its nonahydrate form Fe(NO3)3·9H2O in which it forms colourless to pale violet crystals.
Ferric nitrate is the catalyst of choice for the synthesis of sodium amide from a solution of sodium in ammonia.
Certain clays impregnated with ferric nitrate have been shown to be useful oxidants in organic synthesis. For example, ferric nitrate on Montmorillonite—a reagent called "Clayfen"—has been employed for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and thiols to disulfides.
