The word "ferrate" (/'fɛrət/) is spelled with two r's, a t, and an e at the end. This term refers to the anion FeO42-, which is a compound of iron and oxygen. The name comes from the Latin word for iron, "ferrum." The phonetic transcription of the word shows that the stress is on the first syllable, and the last sound is pronounced as a light schwa sound. This word may be unfamiliar, but it is commonly used in chemistry and environmental science.
Ferrate is a chemical species that contains the ferrate ion, denoted as FeO4^2-. It is an oxidation state of the transition metal iron (Fe) where it possesses a +6 charge. The ferrate ion is highly reactive and it is usually found in a stable form as an alkali metal salt, such as potassium ferrate (K2FeO4).
Being a powerful oxidizing agent, ferrate has various applications. It is commonly used in water treatment processes to eliminate a wide range of contaminants including organic compounds, heavy metals, and even microorganisms. Ferrate can oxidize these pollutants into less harmful byproducts or precipitate them for easy removal.
In addition to its use in water treatment, ferrate is also employed in the synthesis of specialized organic compounds, especially in the field of medicinal chemistry. Its ability to introduce oxygen atoms into various chemical structures makes it a valuable reagent for the modification of molecules.
Ferrate is characterized by its deep purple color, and its solutions tend to be unstable and decompose readily in the presence of water. Therefore, it is generally synthesized and used in situ rather than being stored as a pure compound. The complexity and reactivity of ferrate ion make it an intriguing subject of study in both academic and industrial research, with ongoing investigations seeking to further understand its properties and potential applications.
The word "ferrate" originates from the Latin word "ferrum", which means "iron". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "bʰléh₁ros", which also means "iron". The suffix "-ate" is added to "ferrum" to form "ferrate", indicating a chemical compound containing iron.