Potassium ferrocyanide

Potassium ferrocyanide is a compound with formula K4[Fe(CN)6]·3H2O. It is a yellow crystalline salt, which is soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol. Potassium ferrocyanide is also known as yellow prussiate of potash or potassium hexacyanoferrate(II).

Chemical properties

Potassium ferrocyanide is a coordination compound, which means it has a central metal atom (iron) surrounded by charged particles (cyanide ions). It is not a cyanide salt because the cyanide ions are tightly bound to the iron within the compound. This makes it less toxic than simple cyanide salts.

Uses

Potassium ferrocyanide has several uses. It is used in wine and food production as an anti-caking agent. It is also used in the production of pigments, and in the process of steel tempering.

Safety

While potassium ferrocyanide is less toxic than simple cyanide salts, it can release hydrogen cyanide gas if mixed with an acid. Therefore, it should be handled with care.

See also

• Cyanide
• Coordination compound
• Anti-caking agent

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