Potassium ferrocyanide trihyrate 99%Min Yellow crystal RC00051

Manufacturer: Hangzhou Royalchem Co.,LTD.

Website:  www.cnroyalchem.com

1. Chemical Identification

CAS Number:  14459-95-1

EC Number:  231-791-2 (Refers to the anhydrous form; commonly used for the trihydrate)

Systematic Name:  Potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II) trihydrate

Common Names:

Potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate

Yellow prussiate of potash trihydrate

Tetrapotassium hexacyanoferrate trihydrate

Chemical Formula:  K₄[Fe(CN)₆] · 3H₂O

Molecular Weight:  422.39 g/mol

2. Physical Properties

Appearance:  Lemon yellow or pale yellow crystalline solid.

Odor:  Odorless.

Solubility:

Highly soluble in water (approx. 28.9 g/100mL at 20°C).

Insoluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, and most organic solvents.

Density:  ~1.85 g/cm³ (approx.)

Melting Point:  Decomposes before melting (typically >300°C, losing water first). Upon strong heating, decomposes to release toxic cyanide fumes.

Stability:  Stable under normal conditions. Avoid strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, and UV light. Slowly decomposes in light.

3. Chemical Properties

Type:  Coordination compound (Ferrocyanide complex). 

Coordination:  Central Fe(II) ion surrounded by six cyanide ligands (CN⁻) in an octahedral geometry. The Fe(II) is in a low-spin state.

Behavior:

Forms soluble complexes with many metal ions.

Reacts with strong acids to release highly toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas.

Can be oxidized to potassium ferricyanide (Prussian red) by oxidizing agents.

Forms insoluble precipitates (Prussian blue analogs) with Fe(III) ions.

4. Safety & Handling (Key Points - Consult SDS for Full Details)

GHS Classification:  Typically classified as:

H319:  Causes serious eye irritation.

H412:  Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):  P273, P305+P351+P338.

Toxicity:

Low Acute Toxicity:  The ferrocyanide ion  [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻  is very stable, tightly binding the cyanide groups. It has low oral and dermal toxicity  under normal conditions .

Hazard Under Specific Conditions:   DANGER!  Contact with strong acids (even dilute) releases highly toxic and volatile Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) gas. Decomposition at high temperatures (>400°C) can also release HCN and cyanogen gases.

Irritant:  Can cause eye and skin irritation.

Handling:  Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid inhalation of dust. Avoid contact with acids. Wear safety glasses and gloves.

Storage:  Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in tightly closed containers. Keep away from strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, and sources of intense heat or UV light. Store separately from acids.

5. Key Applications

Food Additive (E536):  Anti-caking agent in table salt and sodium chloride for food processing. Permitted due to the stability of the ferrocyanide complex.

Industrial Chemicals:  Intermediate/precursor in the production of other chemicals, including potassium ferricyanide and various iron blue pigments (e.g., Prussian blue, Turnbull's blue).

Electroplating:  Used in some metal finishing baths (e.g., zinc, cadmium).

Dyeing/Printing:  Mordant in textile dyeing.

Metal Hardening:  Additive in some case-hardening salts for steel.

Analytical Chemistry:  Reagent for the detection/potentiometric determination of various metal ions (e.g., Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺).

Animal Feed Supplement:  Source of iron (regulated use).

Photography:  Historical use in some processes.

6. Regulatory Status (Varies by Region)

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as an anti-caking agent in table salt within specified limits (e.g., max 20 mg/kg in EU/US).

Listed on various national chemical inventories (e.g., TSCA in US, DSL in Canada, EINECS in EU).

Subject to aquatic toxicity regulations due to H412 classification.