Benzene and phenol
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
I was wondering if you could explain why iron(III) NITRATE is able to comples salicylic acid. I understand that transition metals are able to form complexes but this specific reaction is hard to understand.
The reaction involves iron(III) ions and not nitrate ions. The same complex forms with iron(III) chloride so long as the reagent is neutral.
The formation of a violet, purple or reddish complex is characteristic or compounds with phenolic -OH groups. That is -OH groups directly attached to a benzene ring.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
Rate this page or react
Share your views on this page, 0 ratings so far
updated: 10 March 2006
