Ferric vs. Iron — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 30, 2024
Ferric refers to iron in its +3 oxidation state, while iron is a metal element itself.
Difference Between Ferric and Iron
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ferric is a specific oxidation state of iron, indicating the presence of iron in a trivalent form (+3 oxidation state), which affects its chemical reactivity and bonding. It is commonly found in compounds like ferric chloride. Iron, on the other hand, is the element itself, with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It can exist in multiple oxidation states, including ferrous (+2) and ferric (+3), and is a crucial component of many alloys and the human body.
While ferric compounds are typically involved in oxidation reactions and form colored solutions in water, iron in its elemental form is a lustrous, ductile, and malleable metal that can rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen. This contrast in properties underlines the importance of oxidation states in determining the chemical behavior of iron.
Ferric iron is often found in nature as part of minerals like hematite, which is an iron oxide with a ferric state, contributing to its red color. Iron, however, is found in various ores such as hematite, magnetite, and siderite, from which it is extracted through industrial processes. This illustrates the diverse forms and occurrences of iron in the environment.
In terms of applications, ferric salts are widely used in water purification, wastewater treatment, and as mordants in dyeing processes due to their ability to form insoluble compounds with contaminants or dyes. Iron, however, is primarily used in the production of steel, which is an alloy of iron and carbon, showcasing its versatility and importance in construction and manufacturing.
Although ferric iron plays a vital role in biological processes, such as in the electron transport chain within mitochondria, elemental iron is crucial for human health as well, particularly in hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. The distinction between the two highlights the different ways iron contributes to biological functions and emphasizes the significance of its oxidation states.
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Comparison Chart
Oxidation State
+3
Variable (commonly +2 in ferrous, +3 in ferric)
Form
Part of compounds like ferric oxide
Elemental metal or part of various compounds
Applications
Water purification, dyeing processes
Steel production, construction, manufacturing
Occurrence in Nature
In minerals like hematite
In ores like hematite, magnetite, siderite
Role in Biological Processes
In electron transport chain, specific enzyme functions
Crucial for oxygen transport in hemoglobin, enzyme functions
Compare with Definitions
Ferric
Relating to iron with a valency of three.
Ferric chloride is used in water treatment.
Iron
A chemical element with symbol Fe and atomic number 26.
Iron is a key component of steel.
Ferric
Pertaining to compounds containing trivalent iron.
Ferric oxide gives rust its characteristic red color.
Iron
Essential for human health, especially in blood.
Iron supplements help prevent anemia.
Ferric
Used in describing iron’s higher oxidation state in chemistry.
Ferric iron is more soluble in water than ferrous iron.
Iron
Used to describe objects made of iron metal.
An iron skillet can last a lifetime with proper care.
Ferric
Characteristic of iron in its +3 oxidation state.
Ferric solutions are often brownish.
Iron
A metal in its pure form, known for strength and magnetism.
Iron filings are attracted to magnets.
Ferric
Involving iron(III) ions.
Ferric salts can act as coagulating agents.
Iron
A term for tools or appliances made of iron.
The iron gate stood for centuries.
Ferric
Relating to iron.
Iron
Iron () is a chemical element with symbol Fe (from Latin: ferrum) and atomic number 26. It is a metal that belongs to the first transition series and group 8 of the periodic table.
Ferric
Relating to or containing iron, especially with valence 3 or a valence higher than in a corresponding ferrous compound.
Iron
Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,538°C; boiling point 2,861°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.
Ferric
Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron.
Iron
An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.
Ferric
(chemistry) Of compounds of iron in which it has a valence or oxidation number of 3
Iron
Great hardness or strength; firmness
A will of iron.
Ferric
Pertaining to, derived from, or containing iron. Specifically (Chem.), denoting those compounds in which iron has a higher valence than in the ferrous compounds; as, ferric oxide; ferric acid.
Iron
(Sports) Any of a series of golf clubs having a bladelike metal head and numbered from one to nine in order of increasing loft.
Ferric
Of or relating to or containing iron
Iron
A metal appliance with a handle and a weighted flat bottom, used when heated to press wrinkles from fabric.
Iron
A harpoon.
Iron
Irons Fetters; shackles.
Iron
A tonic, pill, or other medication containing iron and taken as a dietary supplement.
Iron
Made of or containing iron
Iron bars.
An iron alloy.
Iron
Strong, healthy, and capable of great endurance
An iron constitution.
Iron
Inflexible; unyielding
Iron resolve.
Iron
Holding tightly; very firm
Has an iron grip.
Iron
To press and smooth with a heated iron
Iron clothes.
Iron
To remove (creases) by pressing.
Iron
To put into irons; fetter.
Iron
To fit or clad with iron.
Iron
To iron clothes.
Iron
(uncountable) A common, inexpensive metal, silvery grey when untarnished, that rusts, is attracted by magnets, and is used in making steel.
Iron
A metallic chemical element having atomic number 26 and symbol Fe.
Iron
Any material, not a steel, predominantly made of elemental iron.
Wrought iron, ductile iron, cast iron, pig iron, gray iron
Iron
(countable) A tool or appliance made of metal, which is heated and then used to transfer heat to something else; most often a thick piece of metal fitted with a handle and having a flat, roughly triangular bottom, which is heated and used to press wrinkles from clothing, and now usually containing an electrical heating apparatus.
Iron
(usually plural, irons) shackles.
Iron
(uncountable) A dark shade of the color silver.
Iron
(golf) A golf club used for middle-distance shots.
Iron
Used as a symbol of great strength or toughness, or to signify a very strong or tough material.
A will of iron
He appeared easygoing, but inside he was pure iron.
Iron
(weightlifting) Weight used as resistance for the purpose of strength training.
He lifts iron on the weekends.
Iron
A meteorite consisting primarily of metallic iron (mixed with a small amount of nickel), as opposed to one composed mainly of stony material.
Irons and stony irons can be much larger than stony meteorites and are much more visually striking, but make up only a few percent of all meteorites.
Iron
A safety curtain in a theatre.
Iron
Dumb bombs, those without guidance systems.
Iron
(not comparable) Made of the metal iron.
Iron
(figuratively) Strong as of will, inflexible.
She had an iron will.
He held on with an iron grip.
An iron constitution
Iron men
Iron
(transitive) To pass an iron over (clothing or some other item made of cloth) in order to remove creases.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Iron
(transitive) To furnish or arm with iron.
To iron a wagon
Iron
The most common and most useful metallic element, being of almost universal occurrence, usually in the form of an oxide (as hematite, magnetite, etc.), or a hydrous oxide (as limonite, turgite, etc.). It is reduced on an enormous scale in three principal forms; viz., cast iron, steel, and wrought iron. Iron usually appears dark brown, from oxidation or impurity, but when pure, or on a fresh surface, is a gray or white metal. It is easily oxidized (rusted) by moisture, and is attacked by many corrosive agents. Symbol Fe (Latin Ferrum). Atomic number 26, atomic weight 55.847. Specific gravity, pure iron, 7.86; cast iron, 7.1. In magnetic properties, it is superior to all other substances.
Iron
An instrument or utensil made of iron; - chiefly in composition; as, a flatiron, a smoothing iron, etc.
My young soldier, put up your iron.
Iron
Fetters; chains; handcuffs; manacles.
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons.
Iron
Strength; power; firmness; inflexibility; as, to rule with a rod of iron.
Iron
An iron-headed club with a deep face, chiefly used in making approaches, lifting a ball over hazards, etc.
Iron
Of, or made of iron; consisting of iron; as, an iron bar, dust.
Iron
Resembling iron in color; as, iron blackness.
Iron
Like iron in hardness, strength, impenetrability, power of endurance, insensibility, etc.;
Iron
Rude; hard; harsh; severe.
Iron years of wars and dangers.
Jove crushed the nations with an iron rod.
Iron
Firm; robust; enduring; as, an iron constitution.
Iron
Inflexible; unrelenting; as, an iron will.
Iron
Not to be broken; holding or binding fast; tenacious.
Iron
To smooth with an instrument of iron; especially, to smooth, as cloth, with a heated flatiron; - sometimes used with out.
Iron
To shackle with irons; to fetter or handcuff.
Iron
To furnish or arm with iron; as, to iron a wagon.
Iron
A golf club that has a relatively narrow metal head
Iron
Metal shackles; for hands or legs
Iron
Implement used to brand live stock
Iron
Home appliance consisting of a flat metal base that is heated and used to smooth cloth
Iron
Press and smooth with a heated iron;
Press your shirts
Iron
Extremely robust;
An iron constitution
Common Curiosities
What is iron?
Iron is a metallic element, crucial in manufacturing and biology.
Can iron exist in states other than ferric and ferrous?
Yes, but ferric and ferrous are its most common oxidation states.
What is ferric?
Ferric refers to iron in its +3 oxidation state, often found in compounds.
What role does iron play in the human body?
It's essential for oxygen transport in hemoglobin.
Why is ferric iron important in water treatment?
Ferric iron forms insoluble compounds, aiding in purification.
What are common sources of ferric iron?
Hematite and other iron oxides in nature.
Why does iron rust?
Iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form rust.
How does the +3 oxidation state affect ferric iron's properties?
It influences its chemical reactivity and bonding.
What are the physical properties of iron?
It is lustrous, ductile, and malleable.
Why is elemental iron important in construction?
Its strength and durability make it ideal for steel production.
How does ferric differ from ferrous?
Ferric has a +3 oxidation state, while ferrous refers to +2.
How is iron extracted from its ores?
Through industrial processes like smelting.
How are ferric compounds used in dyeing?
As mordants to fix dyes to fabrics.
Is ferric iron toxic?
In high amounts, it can be, especially in water sources.
How does ferric iron participate in biological processes?
It is involved in electron transport and enzyme functions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
