ferrate

A chemist adds potassium ferrate to a beaker of water.

Definition

1. Noun (Chemistry):
   • A salt of ferric acid: "ferrate" refers to a chemical compound containing the FeO₄²⁻ anion, typically a salt derived from ferric acid (H₂FeO₄). These compounds are usually dark purple or reddish in color and are strong oxidizing agents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Potassium ferrate is used in water treatment as a powerful disinfectant. (A specific salt of ferric acid.)
  • The chemist synthesized a new ferrate in the laboratory. (A compound containing the ferrate ion.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ferrate ion": the anion FeO₄²⁻, which is the key component of ferrate compounds.
  • The ferrate ion is unstable in acidic solutions. (The anion decomposes under certain conditions.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ferric (adj): relating to iron in its +3 oxidation state.

  • Ferric oxide is a common rust compound. (Iron(III) oxide.)

• Ferrous (adj): relating to iron in its +2 oxidation state.

  • Ferrous sulfate is used to treat anemia. (Iron(II) sulfate.)

Synonyms

• Iron(VI) compound: a more systematic term for a ferrate, indicating the +6 oxidation state of iron.
  • Sodium ferrate is an iron(VI) compound. (A specific ferrate.)

Related Idioms

• None commonly associated with "ferrate" as it is a technical term.