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Potassium ferrocyanide sources, health risks

Wednesday, October 11, 2017 by

Potassium ferrocyanide, which is also called potassium hexacyanoferrate trihydrate, is a salt of the reducing ferrocyanide ion. Ferrocyanide is a reducing iron species that was oxidized from ferrous Fe (II) to ferric Fe (III). The ferrocyanide species is membrane impermeable, which means that no substance can pass through this material. It can be used to assess the redox activity of membrane-bound structures and mechanisms of electron transport across membranes.

Potassium ferrocyanide is manufactured from ferrous chloride, calcium hydroxide, and hydrogen cyanide, the combination of which forms Ca 2[Fe (CN) 6] 11H 2 OR. It is a pale yellow or pale yellow monoclinic crystal without a particular odor, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Potassium ferrocyanide has a molecular weight of 368.35 grams per mole (g/mol) for the anhydrous form and 422.388 g/mol for the trihydrate form. It has a density of 1.85 gram per milliter and a melting point of 70 degrees Celsius, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. Also, the compound reacts to heat to generate potassium cyanide according to the reaction K 4 [Fe(Cn) 6] → 4 KCN + FeC2 + N2.

Potassium ferrocyanide does not decompose into cyanide in the body and is considered non-toxic; in fact, toxicity in rats is low, but the lethal dosage is pegged at 6400 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg).

Potassium ferrocyanide is used as an anti-caking agent for both road and table salts. It also finds its uses in the mining and metallurgy industry as it is used to remove copper from molybdenum minerals. It is also important in the cementation – a thermodynamical treatment applied to steel parts – of steel.

Harmful effects that can be caused by potassium ferrocyanide

Exposure to potassium ferrocyanide can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.

Body systems harmed by potassium ferrocyanide

Potassium ferrocyanide is bad for the digestive system. It causes major irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Potassium ferrocyanide is bad for the respiratory system. It negatively affects the nasal mucosa during instances of inhalation.

Where to learn more

Summary

Potassium ferrocyanide is used as an anti-caking agent for both road and table salts.

Exposure to potassium ferrocyanide can cause irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.

Potassium ferrocyanide is bad for the digestive and respiratory systems.

Sources include:

SCBT.com

LifePersona.com

Hazard.com

 



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