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Chemistry / Re: What are the hazards of sodium tetracarbonyl ferrate?
« on: 19/03/2024 01:48:52 »
It can also decompose, releasing significant quantities of CO gas.
I wouldn't be surprised if the complex itself were pyrophoric (it is formally Fe(-II), or Fe2-, which is ready to dump electrons into the first oxidant it can find)
Another option is that, through slow decomposition and loss of CO, it may become enriched with Fe(0) nanoparticles which are pyrophoric (similar to those formed by the decomposition of ferrous oxalate.)
I have never worked with the compound in question, but I have plenty of experience working with cobalt carbonyls, including compounds containing a tetracarbonylcobaltate(-I) anion. Although I did not observe any samples catch on fire, these compounds readily reacted with oxygen in the atmosphere, and I do recall one sample of finely divided dicobalt octacarbonyl which began smoking immediately upon (accidental) exposure to air.
I wouldn't be surprised if the complex itself were pyrophoric (it is formally Fe(-II), or Fe2-, which is ready to dump electrons into the first oxidant it can find)
Another option is that, through slow decomposition and loss of CO, it may become enriched with Fe(0) nanoparticles which are pyrophoric (similar to those formed by the decomposition of ferrous oxalate.)
I have never worked with the compound in question, but I have plenty of experience working with cobalt carbonyls, including compounds containing a tetracarbonylcobaltate(-I) anion. Although I did not observe any samples catch on fire, these compounds readily reacted with oxygen in the atmosphere, and I do recall one sample of finely divided dicobalt octacarbonyl which began smoking immediately upon (accidental) exposure to air.