Iron oxide, with the chemical formula Fe2O3, has the CAS number 1332-37-2. It is a compound consisting of two iron atoms bonded to three oxygen atoms. Iron oxide appears as a fine, reddish-brown powder. It does not have a distinct odor. This compound is insoluble in water, but it can react with acids to form salts. Iron oxide is considered to be non-toxic and poses no significant health risks. However, inhalation of large amounts of iron oxide dust may cause respiratory irritation. It is important to handle iron oxide with proper ventilation and avoid prolonged exposure to dust.
Applicable Fields
Pigments: Iron oxide is widely used as a pigment in various industries. Its purpose in this field is to provide color to paints, coatings, ceramics, and plastics. The mechanism of action in pigments involves the absorption and reflection of light, resulting in the desired color.
Magnetic Storage: Iron oxide is also used in magnetic storage devices, such as hard drives and magnetic tapes. Its purpose in this field is to provide a magnetic medium for data storage. The mechanism of action in magnetic storage involves the alignment of magnetic domains within the iron oxide particles, allowing for the encoding and retrieval of data.
Storage
Conditions: Store in a cool and dry place.