Identify Composition of Soap + Ferrous Sulfate Precipitate

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the composition of a precipitate formed by mixing a saturated solution of ivory soap with ferrous sulfate. The precipitate, initially grey and turning red upon drying, is likely a form of iron oxide. The exact composition is influenced by the specific fatty acids present in the ivory soap, suggesting that ferrous salts of fatty acids are a primary component. Understanding this interaction requires knowledge of both soap chemistry and the behavior of ferrous compounds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Chemistry of soap, specifically fatty acids and their salts
  • Understanding of ferrous sulfate and its reactions
  • Knowledge of precipitate formation and characteristics
  • Basic principles of iron oxide chemistry
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  • Research the chemical properties of ivory soap and its fatty acid composition
  • Study the reactions of ferrous sulfate with various organic compounds
  • Learn about the formation and analysis of iron oxides
  • Explore methods for characterizing precipitates in chemistry
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Chemistry students, researchers in material science, and anyone interested in the interactions between organic compounds and metal salts.

TalonD
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I have made a precipitate that I would like to know the composition of but I'm not a chemist so maybe some of you can help. If you dissolve soap, specifically ivory soap in hot water so that it is saturated with soap and then if you pour into that a solution of ferrous sulfate dissolved in water, a precipitate will form. This grey colored precipitate after it dries turns a red color so I assume it is some form of iron oxide but what exactly would it's composition be?
 
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I bet it is some mixture, and the exact composition will depend on the exact composition of the ivory soap.

Ferrous salt of fatty acids seem to be the most obvious culprit.
 

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