Potassium ferrocyanide

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Potassium ferrocyanide Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD