ferric iron compound
Quick Summary
Ferric refers to compounds containing iron, specifically with a valence of three. Iron (Fe) is a chemical element and a metal, crucial in Earth's crust and core, and abundant in stars. It exists in various oxidation states, with +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric) being the most common.123
Ferric compounds include ferric oxide (FeāOā), found as the mineral hematite, used as a pigment and in cosmetics. Ferric salts act as coagulants for wounds and are used in water purification. Ferric ammonium citrate is used as an appetite stimulant. Iron's ability to change oxidation states is fundamental to many chemical and biological processes, including its role in hemoglobin for oxygen transport in human blood.24
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
