Iron(III) hydroxide (CAS 20344-49-4)

Iron(III) hydroxide, also known as ferric hydroxide, is an iron oxide mineral. It occurs naturally in soils, sediments, and rocks, and is a principal component of rust. Iron(III) hydroxide is widely distributed and plays a role as a source of iron for numerous organisms. Its versatile applications encompass acting as a catalyst in synthetic fuel production, functioning as a pigment in paints and coatings, and serving in the manufacturing of iron and steel products. Moreover, it has been employed to investigate the corrosion of iron and steel, given its significance in rust formation. Geologists employ iron(III) hydroxide to study various geological processes as it is a key constituent of rocks. Additionally, iron(III) hydroxide has been utilized in the examination of the effects of environmental pollution, particularly in smog, and in assessing the impacts of climate change by studying its presence in dust. The mechanism of action of iron(III) hydroxide is closely associated with the chemistry of iron. Iron, being a transition metal, exhibits complex chemistry with various oxidation states. In its most stable form, iron is present in the +3 oxidation state, which corresponds to iron(III) hydroxide. Under specific conditions, iron can be oxidized or reduced. The oxidation of iron leads to the formation of iron oxide minerals such as iron(III) hydroxide, while the reduction of iron results in the formation of metallic iron.