Briefly explain the role of CH3CO2Na in the preparation of Fe(C5H7O2)3.
Of all of the isomers of C5H7O2, how are we to know what this stuff is. What is the procedure?
In the preparation of Fe(C5H7O2)3, CH3CO2Na plays a crucial role as a reactant and a source of the acetate ion (C2H3O2-). The acetate ion acts as a ligand, meaning it forms coordination bonds with the central iron atom in Fe(C5H7O2)3. This coordination complex is also known as iron(III) tris(acetylacetonate).
Here's how CH3CO2Na is involved in the synthesis:
1. First, Fe(C5H7O2)3 is typically prepared by reacting an iron salt, such as FeCl3, with an excess of sodium acetate (CH3CO2Na) in a solvent like acetic acid or ethanol.
2. Sodium acetate (CH3CO2Na) dissociates in the solvent, producing acetate ions (C2H3O2-) and sodium ions (Na+). The acetate ions then coordinate with the iron(III) ion from the iron salt.
3. The coordination of the acetate ions to the iron atom results in the formation of Fe(C5H7O2)3 complex, where the C5H7O2 ligand is derived from the acetylacetonate molecule (C5H8O2). This complex has a distinctive purple color.
So, in summary, CH3CO2Na is used as a reactant to provide the essential acetate ions that coordinate with the iron(III) ion, leading to the formation of Fe(C5H7O2)3.