ferric sodium oxalate
Rare / TechnicalScientific / Academic
Definition
Meaning
A specific inorganic chemical compound (Na3[Fe(C2O4)3]) used primarily as a reagent in analytical chemistry and photography.
A coordination complex where an iron(III) ion is chelated by three oxalate anions, with sodium as the counterion; known for its photosensitive properties and role in chemical actinometry.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a precise, technical term for a specific compound. It is not used in general language. Its meaning is strictly denotative (the chemical entity) with no connotative or figurative uses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English, as it is a precise scientific term. Spelling of 'sodium' and 'oxalate' is identical.
Connotations
None beyond its technical/scientific context.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to chemistry, photography, and materials science texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Substance] + is/comprises + ferric sodium oxalateferric sodium oxalate + [verb of reaction/use] + [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry, chemical engineering, and photographic science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used in laboratory procedures, chemical supply catalogs, patents related to photography or photochemistry, and technical manuals for actinometry.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The ferric sodium oxalate solution was decanted carefully.
- We followed the ferric sodium oxalate actinometry protocol.
American English
- The ferric sodium oxalate reagent must be kept in amber glass.
- A ferric sodium oxalate-based developer is described in the patent.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A
- N/A
- Ferric sodium oxalate is a chemical used in some old photographic processes.
- The quantum yield of the photochemical reaction was determined using ferric sodium oxalate as a chemical actinometer.
- Upon irradiation, the ferric sodium oxalate complex undergoes reduction to its ferrous state.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FERRIC (iron) is the core metal, held by three SODIUM-OXALATE units. 'Ferric Sodium Oxalate' = Iron, Salt, Sour (oxalic acid derivative).
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term lacks common conceptual metaphors).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'ferric' as just 'железный'; the specific term is 'трёхвалентное железо' or 'железо(III)'.
- The word order is important; it's not 'оксалат натрия железистый' but a single compound name: 'оксалат железа(III)-натрия' or more precisely 'триоксалатоферрат(III) натрия'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'ferrous oxalate' (iron(II) compound).
- Incorrect word order: 'sodium ferric oxalate' is less standard.
- Mispronouncing 'oxalate' with stress on the first syllable.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Ferric sodium oxalate is primarily used in which field?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Like many chemicals, it should be handled with care. It may be harmful if swallowed, cause skin and eye irritation, and specific hazards depend on its physical form (e.g., dust, solution). Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be consulted.
Yes, it is available from suppliers of laboratory chemicals and specialized photographic chemical vendors.
'Ferric' specifies that the iron in the compound is in the +3 oxidation state (Fe³⁺), as opposed to 'ferrous' which is Fe²⁺.
An actinometer is a chemical system or device used to measure the intensity of incident light, particularly ultraviolet and visible light, by measuring the rate of a photochemical reaction. Ferric sodium oxalate is a well-known chemical actinometer.