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View Full Version : Can someone please check this chemical equation?


RisingSun9681
Jan30-12, 10:34 AM
Is this chemical reaction correct? Is such a reaction possible?

K4Fe(CN)6• 3H2O + K2CO3 --> 6KCN + CO2 + FeO + 3H2O

Borek
Jan30-12, 03:48 PM
According to 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica - yes & yes:

When (potassium ferrocyanide is) fused with potassium carbonate it yields potassium cyanide

Compare http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclopædia_Britannica/Prussic_Acid

Please note KCN is highly toxic, so we will not discuss any further details here.

Dr_Morbius
Jan31-12, 10:43 PM
Is this chemical reaction correct? Is such a reaction possible?

K4Fe(CN)6• 3H2O + K2CO3 --> 6KCN + CO2 + FeO + 3H2O

In a water solution nothing happens because the Ferrocyanide anion is too stable. That's why it needs to be done in the dry state and high temperature.