Ferrous vs. Ferric: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Ferrous refers to iron in a +2 oxidation state, while ferric denotes iron in a +3 oxidation state.
Key Differences
Ferrous compounds contain iron in a +2 oxidation state, which means they have given up two electrons. Ferric compounds, on the other hand, have iron in a +3 oxidation state, indicating the loss of three electrons.
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Ferrous compounds are typically greenish or bluish in color. Ferric compounds usually exhibit brown, orange, or yellowish hues.
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Ferrous ions are less reactive and more stable under reducing conditions. Ferric ions are more reactive and stable in oxidizing environments.
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Ferrous materials are widely used in metal alloys and steel manufacturing. Ferric compounds are often utilized in water treatment, pigments, and as oxidizing agents.
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Ferrous ions are more soluble in water compared to ferric ions. Ferric compounds tend to form insoluble hydroxides in water, influencing environmental interactions.
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Comparison Chart
Reactivity
Less reactive, stable under reducing conditions
More reactive, stable in oxidizing environments
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Environmental Behavior
More soluble in water
Forms insoluble hydroxides in water
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Ferrous and Ferric Definitions
Ferrous
Containing iron in a +2 oxidation state.
Ferrous sulfate is used as a dietary supplement.
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Ferric
Containing iron in a +3 oxidation state.
Ferric chloride is used in wastewater treatment.
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Ferrous
Referring to metals containing iron.
Ferrous scrap is recycled in steel production.
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Ferric
Relating to iron in its oxidized form.
Ferric ions can act as oxidizing agents.
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Ferrous
Of or pertaining to iron.
The ferrous alloy was used in construction.
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Ferric
Of or relating to iron-containing compounds.
Ferric compounds are often used as pigments.
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Ferrous
Characteristic of iron or its compounds.
The ferrous material was magnetic.
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Ferrous
Involving divalent iron.
Ferrous ions are essential in human nutrition.
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Ferric
Pertaining to iron, especially with valence three.
Ferric oxide gives the red color to rust.
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Ferrous
Relating to or containing iron, especially with valence 2 or a valence lower than in a corresponding ferric compound.
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Ferric
Relating to or containing iron, especially with valence 3 or a valence higher than in a corresponding ferrous compound.
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Ferrous
(chemistry) Of compounds of iron in which it has a valence or oxidation number of 2.
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Ferric
(chemistry) Of compounds of iron in which it has a valence or oxidation number of 3
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Ferrous
Pertaining to, or derived from, iron; - especially used of compounds of iron in which the iron has its lower valence of two; as, ferrous sulphate.
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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.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a typical use of ferric compounds?
In water treatment as coagulants.
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What is a common ferrous compound?
Ferrous sulfate, often used in supplements.
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Can ferric compounds be reduced?
Yes, they can be reduced to ferrous state.
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Is ferric chloride soluble in water?
Yes, but less so than ferrous chloride.
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What causes the color change in ferrous to ferric?
Oxidation, which increases the iron's valence.
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Which is more common in nature, ferrous or ferric?
Ferric, especially in oxygen-rich environments.
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Can ferrous ions be part of enzymes?
Yes, many enzymes contain ferrous ions.
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Are ferric materials used in pigments?
Yes, for colors like red and yellow.
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Are ferric ions good oxidizing agents?
Yes, they can oxidize other substances.
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What happens when ferrous iron is exposed to air?
It often oxidizes to form ferric iron.
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How do you test for ferrous iron?
Using chemical tests that indicate the presence of Fe2+.
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Do ferrous compounds oxidize easily?
Yes, they can oxidize to form ferric compounds.
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Do both ferrous and ferric ions occur in the human body?
Yes, both are present in different biochemical roles.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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