Prussian blue
Prussian Blue
Prussian blue (pronunciation: /ˈprʌʃən bluː/) is a dark blue pigment produced by oxidation of ferrous ferrocyanide salts. It has the idealized chemical formula Fe7(CN)18.
Etymology
The name "Prussian blue" comes from the color's use in the Prussian military uniforms of the 18th and 19th centuries. The pigment was first synthesized around 1706 by the German paint manufacturer Diesbach, who was trying to create a red pigment but accidentally produced blue instead.
Medical Use
In medicine, Prussian blue is used as an antidote for certain kinds of heavy metal poisoning, such as thallium and radioactive isotopes of caesium. In these cases, it works by ion exchange, trapping the metal ions within its crystalline structure and allowing them to be safely excreted by the body.
Related Terms
- Ferrocyanide: A compound containing the ferrocyanide ion. Prussian blue is produced by the oxidation of ferrous ferrocyanide salts.
- Thallium poisoning: A type of heavy metal poisoning that can be treated with Prussian blue.
- Caesium: A radioactive isotope that can be treated with Prussian blue in cases of poisoning.
- Ion exchange: The process by which Prussian blue traps metal ions within its structure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prussian blue
- Wikipedia's article - Prussian blue
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