Ammonium ferric citrate refers to a chemical compound that is a combination of ammonium, ferric, and citrate ions. It is commonly abbreviated as AFC and has the chemical formula (NH4)5[Fe(C6H4O7)2]·xH2O.
Ammonium ferric citrate is a complex salt with a reddish-brown appearance, typically appearing in the form of crystals or powder. It is soluble in water and has a slight acidic taste. The compound is created through the reaction of ferric oxide (Fe2O3) or ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) with citric acid and ammonia. This compound has various applications in several fields, such as pharmaceuticals, photography, and analytical chemistry.
In pharmaceuticals, ammonium ferric citrate is often used as an ingredient in medications due to its ability to act as a chelating agent, helping to form stable complexes with metal ions. It is also utilized in the preparation of iron supplements for treating iron-deficiency anemia.
In photography, AFC serves as a component of photographic developers and toners, aiding in the production of black and white prints. It acts as a reducing agent and helps to develop the image by converting silver halides into metallic silver.
In analytical chemistry, ammonium ferric citrate is commonly employed as a reagent for the determination of certain elements and compounds. It is frequently used in tests involving the detection of phosphates, arsenates, alkaloids, and cyanide ions.
Overall, ammonium ferric citrate is a versatile compound with diverse applications across various industries due to its unique chemical properties.
