Dictionary Definition
ferric adj : of or relating to or containing iron
[syn: ferrous]
User Contributed Dictionary
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -ɛrɪk
Adjective
ferric- Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron.
- of compounds of iron in which it has a valence or oxidation number of 3
Derived terms
See also
Extensive Definition
Ferric is a term that means containing or having
to do with iron, derived
from the Latin word ferrum,
meaning "iron". In chemistry the term is reserved
for iron with an oxidation
number of +3, denoted iron(III) or Fe3+, whereas ferrous indicates that it has
oxidation number of +2, denoted iron(II) or Fe2+, which combine
with other atoms to form molecules.
Ferric iron is relatively insoluble in water. A
salt
(chemistry) of ferric iron hydrolyzes water and produces
iron(III)
oxide-hydroxides while contributing hydrogen ions to the solution,
lowering the pH compared to a solution of equal molarity (based on the anion
concentration) solution of the analogous sodium or potassium salt.
Ferric dosing can be used to mitigate the impact
of nutrient loading in lakes by reducing the bioavailability of
phosphorus in the water column. This can aid management strategies
for reducing eutrophication in lake
systems.
Ferric
oxide, formula Fe2O3 is red-brown colored and the main
constituent of the mineral hematite.
A synonym of ferric, deriving from the Germanic
roots instead of the Latin, is ironic. For example: magnets only
attract to ironic substances.