Lab preperation of Ammonium ferric citrate

[rohanprabhu]

I have decided to do a a cyanotype experiment for my chemistry investiagtory project, this year in school. To do that, I need Ammonium Ferric Citrate, which my school lab does not stock. Also, local retailers don't have it.

How can i prepare ammonium ferric citrate in my laboratory using common reagents. Some few common chemicals [like citric acid, if required might be available at a local chemicals retailer].

thanks a lot.

 

[chemisttree]

Apparently there are two forms of the stuff:

§ 184.1296 Ferric ammonium citrate.
(a) Ferric ammonium citrate (iron(III) ammonium citrate) is prepared by the reaction of ferric hydroxide with citric acid, followed by treatment with ammonium hydroxide, evaporating, and drying. The resulting product occurs in two forms depending on the stoichiometry of the initial reactants.
(1) Ferric ammonium citrate (iron (III) ammonium citrate, CAS Reg. No. (1332–98–5) is a complex salt of undetermined structure composed of 16.5 to 18.5 percent iron, approximately 9 percent ammonia, and 65 percent citric acid and occurs as reddish brown or garnet red scales or granules or as a brownish-yellowish powder.
(2) Ferric ammonium citrate (iron(III) ammonium citrate, CAS Reg. No.(1333–00–2) is a complex salt of undetermined structure composed of 14.5 to 16 percent iron, approximately 7.5 percent ammonia, and 75 percent citric acid and occurs as thin transparent green scales, as granules, as a powder, or as transparent green crystals.

 

[ravenprp]

Preparing ammonium ferric citrate in your laboratory using common reagents is definitely possible. Here is a simple method that you can follow:

Materials:
- Citric acid
- Ammonium hydroxide
- Iron(III) chloride
- Distilled water
- Beakers
- Stirring rod
- Filter paper
- Funnel
- Drying oven

Procedure:
1. In a beaker, dissolve 10g of citric acid in 100mL of distilled water.
2. In another beaker, dissolve 10g of iron(III) chloride in 100mL of distilled water.
3. Slowly add the iron(III) chloride solution to the citric acid solution while stirring continuously.
4. Once all of the iron(III) chloride has been added, slowly add ammonium hydroxide to the mixture while stirring until the solution turns a dark red color.
5. Continue stirring for a few more minutes to ensure complete reaction.
6. Filter the solution using a funnel and filter paper to remove any impurities.
7. Transfer the filtrate to a clean beaker and place it in a drying oven at 100°C until it forms a solid.
8. Once the solid is completely dry, grind it into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
9. Your ammonium ferric citrate is now ready to use in your cyanotype experiment.

It is important to note that the amounts of citric acid, iron(III) chloride, and ammonium hydroxide used can be adjusted depending on the desired amount of ammonium ferric citrate needed. Also, make sure to follow proper safety precautions when handling chemicals in the laboratory. Good luck with your experiment!