Potassium Ferrocyanide vs. Potassium Ferricyanide: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on January 16, 2024
Potassium Ferrocyanide is a chemical compound with the formula K₄[Fe(CN)₆]·3H₂O. Potassium Ferricyanide is a chemical compound with the formula K₃[Fe(CN)₆].
Key Differences
Potassium ferrocyanide, a light yellow crystalline compound, is less toxic and stable under normal conditions. Potassium ferricyanide, on the other hand, is a red crystal that is more reactive and oxidizing.
In potassium ferrocyanide, the iron within the compound is in a +2 oxidation state. Conversely, in potassium ferricyanide, iron is in a higher, +3 oxidation state, which contributes to its different properties.
Potassium ferrocyanide is commonly used as a food additive and in the production of wine and citric acid. Potassium ferricyanide finds its primary use in photography and blueprinting due to its light sensitivity.
The chemical structure of potassium ferrocyanide includes ferrous iron coordinated by cyanide ligands. In potassium ferricyanide, ferric iron is surrounded by cyanide groups, giving it a distinct molecular structure.
In laboratory settings, potassium ferrocyanide is often used in the determination of potassium. In contrast, potassium ferricyanide is utilized in redox titrations due to its oxidizing nature.
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Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
K₄[Fe(CN)₆]·3H₂O
K₃[Fe(CN)₆]
Color
Light Yellow
Red
Iron Oxidation State
+2
+3
Common Uses
Food additive, wine production
Photography, blueprinting
Laboratory Use
Potassium determination
Redox titrations
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Toxicity
Less toxic
More toxic
Stability
Stable under normal conditions
More reactive and oxidizing
Molecular Structure
Ferrous iron with cyanide ligands
Ferric iron with cyanide ligands
Potassium Ferrocyanide and Potassium Ferricyanide Definitions
Potassium Ferrocyanide
A compound with the chemical formula K₄[Fe(CN)₆]·3H₂O.
The crystalline structure of potassium ferrocyanide is evident under a microscope.
Potassium Ferricyanide
A chemical used in blueprinting due to its light sensitivity.
Blueprint papers are coated with a solution containing potassium ferricyanide.
Potassium Ferrocyanide
A less toxic and stable cyanide compound.
Potassium ferrocyanide is preferred in food applications due to its lower toxicity.
Potassium Ferricyanide
A red crystalline compound used in photographic processing.
Potassium ferricyanide is key in developing cyanotype photographs.
Potassium Ferrocyanide
A yellow crystalline salt used as a food additive.
Potassium ferrocyanide is added to table salt to prevent caking.
Potassium Ferricyanide
A compound where iron is in the +3 oxidation state.
The +3 oxidation state of iron in potassium ferricyanide contributes to its red color.
Potassium Ferrocyanide
A compound used in the production of wine and citric acid.
Winemakers sometimes use potassium ferrocyanide for removing heavy metals from wine.
Potassium Ferricyanide
An oxidizing agent with the formula K₃[Fe(CN)₆].
In laboratories, potassium ferricyanide is used in redox reactions.
Potassium Ferrocyanide
A chemical used in laboratory analysis.
Scientists use potassium ferrocyanide to determine potassium levels in samples.
Potassium Ferricyanide
More reactive and toxic compared to its ferrocyanide counterpart.
Due to its toxicity, potassium ferricyanide is handled with extra caution in labs.
FAQs
Is potassium ferricyanide light-sensitive?
Yes, it is sensitive to light, making it useful in photographic processes.
What is the primary use of potassium ferrocyanide?
Used as a food additive and in wine production.
What is the color of potassium ferrocyanide?
It is a light yellow crystalline compound.
What color is potassium ferricyanide?
It appears as red crystals.
What is a laboratory use of potassium ferricyanide?
Used in redox titrations due to its oxidizing properties.
Can potassium ferrocyanide be used in food?
Yes, it's used as a food additive due to its lower toxicity.
What is the iron oxidation state in potassium ferricyanide?
Iron is in the +3 oxidation state.
What is potassium ferricyanide commonly used for?
Primarily in photography and blueprinting.
Are these compounds toxic?
Potassium ferrocyanide is less toxic, while potassium ferricyanide is more toxic.
What is the chemical formula of potassium ferrocyanide?
K₄[Fe(CN)₆]·3H₂O.
What is the chemical formula of potassium ferricyanide?
K₃[Fe(CN)₆].
Is potassium ferricyanide reactive?
Yes, it is more reactive and oxidizing.
Are these compounds environmentally safe?
They should be handled with care and disposed of properly due to potential environmental impacts.
Can potassium ferrocyanide react with other compounds?
It can react with certain compounds but is generally stable.
What is the iron oxidation state in potassium ferrocyanide?
Iron is in the +2 oxidation state.
Can potassium ferrocyanide be used in wine production?
Yes, it's used to remove heavy metals from wine.
How is potassium ferrocyanide used in laboratories?
For potassium determination and analysis.
Is potassium ferrocyanide stable?
Yes, it's stable under normal conditions.
Is potassium ferricyanide used in cyanotype photography?
Yes, it's a key component in cyanotype photography.
What precautions are needed when handling potassium ferricyanide?
Protective gear and careful handling due to its toxic and reactive nature.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
