CAS Number: 14459-95-1
Linear Formula: K4[Fe(CN)6] · 3H2O
Molecular Weight: 422.388
IUPAC Name: Potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II)
Other names: Potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate, Tetrapotassium ferrocyanide trihydrate, Potassium hexacyanidoferrate(II) trihydrate, (Yellow) Prussiate of Potash, Potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) trihydrate, Ferrate hexacyano tetrapotassium trihydrate
Potassium ferrocyanide is the inorganic compound with formula K4[Fe(CN)6] · 3H2O. It is the potassium salt of the coordination complex [Fe(CN)6]4−. This salt forms lemon-yellow monoclinic crystals. Potassium ferrocyanide finds many niche applications in industry. It and the related sodium salt are widely used as anti-caking agents for both road salt and table salt. The potassium and sodium ferrocyanides are also used in the purification of tin and the separation of copper from molybdenum ores.
Potassium ferrocyanide is used in the production of wine and citric acid.
In the laboratory, potassium ferrocyanide is used to determine the concentration of potassium permanganate, a compound often used in titrations based on redox reactions.
Potassium ferrocyanide is used in a mixture with potassium ferricyanide and phosphate buffered solution (PBS) to provide a buffer for X-Gal, which is used to cleave Beta-galactosidase, giving a bright blue visualization where an antibody (or other molecule), conjugated to Beta-gal, has bonded to its target.
Potassium ferrocyanide can be used as a fertilizer for plants.
