The color change observed when potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) is added t...
When potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) is added to a solution containing Fe3+ ions, a deep red color is observed. This color change occurs due to the formation of a complex ion called iron(III) thiocyanate (Fe(SCN)3), which has a reddish-brown color.
The color change observed when potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) is added t...
Color Change in the Reaction between Potassium Thiocyanate (KSCN) and Fe3+ Ions
Explanation:
When potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) is added to a solution containing Fe3+ ions, a color change occurs. The initial color of the solution is colorless, and after the addition of KSCN, it turns reddish-brown.
Overview of the Reaction:
The reaction between potassium thiocyanate and Fe3+ ions involves the formation of a complex ion called iron(III) thiocyanate. This complex ion has a reddish-brown color, which accounts for the observed color change.
Key Points:
- Initial solution color: Colorless
- Final solution color: Reddish-brown
- Color change direction: Colorless to reddish-brown
Explanation of the Reaction:
1. Potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) dissociates in water to form potassium ions (K+) and thiocyanate ions (SCN-).
- KSCN(aq) ⟶ K+(aq) + SCN-(aq)
2. Fe3+ ions from another solution are present in the solution. These ions are typically in the form of a salt, such as iron(III) chloride (FeCl3), which dissociates in water to release Fe3+ ions.
- FeCl3(aq) ⟶ Fe3+(aq) + 3Cl-(aq)
3. The thiocyanate ions (SCN-) react with the Fe3+ ions to form the iron(III) thiocyanate complex ion.
- Fe3+(aq) + 3SCN-(aq) ⟶ [Fe(SCN)3](aq)
4. The iron(III) thiocyanate complex ion is responsible for the reddish-brown color observed in the final solution.
Conclusion:
In the reaction between potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and Fe3+ ions, the color change observed is from colorless to reddish-brown. The formation of the iron(III) thiocyanate complex ion is responsible for this color change.