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Mohrs Salt - Formula, Structure, Preparation, Properties, FAQs

Mohrs Salt - Formula, Structure, Preparation, Properties, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 04, 2022 12:16 PM IST

What is Mohr salt?

Mohr salt, also known as ammonium iron (II) sulfate, is an inorganic mineral compound whose chemical formula is given as (NH4)2Fe (SO4)2(H2O)6. Compounds such as this contain two primary cations, the ammonium cation (denoted by NH4+) and the ferrous cation (denoted by Fe2+). Therefore, Mohr's salt can be classified as a double salt consisting of ammonium sulfate and ferrous sulfate. This is an important laboratory reagent because it readily crystallizes and crystals formed by it resist oxidation in the presence of air. Salt full form is Ammonium iron II sulfate.

The German scientist Karl Friedrich Mohr is attributed with the name of Mohr salt. Mohr salt dissolves in water to form an aqua complex with the chemical formula [Fe (H2O)6]2+ (like most other salts of ferrous sulfate). Interestingly, this quo complex has a hexagonal molecular structure. Commonly called mohrite, Mohr salt is a mineral form of sodium chloride.Mohr salt

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The properties of Mohr salt and Calculate the molar mass of Mohr salt:

Mohr salt is a compound that contains Fe (SO4) (NH4)2(SO4) in chemical formula of Mohr salt. Molecular formula Fe (SO4) (NH4)2(SO4).6H2O is given by the hexahydrate form of the metal.

The molar mass of Mohr salt (in its anhydrous state) equals 284.05 grams per mole. Mohr salt has a solubility in water which is demonstrated by its hexahydrate having a molecular mass of Mohr salt 392.13 grams.

Mohr salt exhibits a bluish-green color when subjected to standard conditions for temperature and pressure (often abbreviated as STP). If these conditions are met, it becomes crystalline solid.

In standard conditions, Mohr salt has a density of 1.86 grams per cubic centimeter.

Water dissolves Mohr salt and hexahydrated approximately 269 grams per liter at standard temperature and pressure.

How Mohr salt Is Structured

Mohr salt belongs to the family of double sulfates called Totton salts (or Shonie’s in certain cases). A monoclinic geometry is known to exist in the crystal structure of most members of this family (including Mohr salt). A bonding pattern found in the molecular structure of Mohr salt is characterized by the presence of octahedral centers, composed of iron atoms [Fe (H2O)6]2+. Furthermore, the ammonium and sulfate ions are known to form hydrogen bonds with these centers.

Mohr's salt preparation

A mixture of ammonium sulfate and hydrated ferrous sulfate (mixed in equal proportions) dissolved in a small amount of sulfuric acid is used to prepare Mohr salt. A crystallization process is then performed on the resulting solution to obtain light green crystals of Mohr's salt. When salt is heated, all the cations and anions present in it are released, which is known as ionization. Some of the common impurities in Mohr's salt include nickel, magnesium, zinc, lead, and manganese. It has been proven that the majority of these impurities are from isomorphous salts.

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A few salts substitute

Humans do not have a problem with moderate amounts of salt. There is a good balance of minerals and water in the human body when sodium levels are low. A vital nutrient for life, it is essential for survival. But, it's better to avoid iodized table salt, which is highly refined and used in most fast foods, stripped of many nutrients. The following 4 alternatives to table salt can be used in place of table salt:

1. Sea Salt

Oceanic salt is commonly referred to as evaporating ocean water. The salt is conciliated in this way using one of the oldest methods. The flavor is stronger than table salt, so you need to use less of it to achieve the same taste in the dishes. The salt has a brighter and cleaner taste than table salt since it does not contain bitter iodine, and it tastes excellent with steaks.

Benefits of Sea Salt: Due to the fact that sea salt delivers less sodium than the common table salt, it delivers fewer health benefits. When harvested from the sea salt fields, sea salt contains a number of minerals that assist in the body's daily functioning.

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2. Himalayan Salt

It comes from Pakistan (the Great Salt Range), home to the oldest salt mine in the world. Himalayan salt is pink in color because it contains the remains of ancient sea life which existed within a dried ocean.

A more subtle taste than sea salt, it has a distinctly crisp and salty taste. Fish, poultry, and vegetables taste great with this beer.

Himalayan salt contains around 84 minerals, including iron, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The iodine in this supplement is easily digestible.

3. Kala NAMAK (Indian Black Salt)

Kala NAMAK looks like rock salt made with South Asian condiments. The magical black color comes from iron sulfide.

This salt's taste is similar to egg yolk in terms of savory sweetness. Combined with chutneys, yogurts, and cooling drinks, it makes a great snack.

There is a benefit to black salt: it contains 3% iron and is used in anemia treatment. Constipation can be reduced by consuming black salt daily.

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

4. Nutritional Yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is used to make this bread. The deactivation of nutritional yeast is accomplished by heating and drying.

Its flavor is similar to Parmesan cheese, with cheesy, nutty, and salty/umami characteristics.

The nutritional yeast is rich in vitamins - B1, B2, B3, zinc, and potassium - and is a good vitamin source. It is usually fortified with folate and vitamin B12 in addition to the nutrients in yeast.

A wide range of applications for Mohr's Salt

In the field of analytical chemistry, Mohr salt is classified as one of the most commonly used compounds as a source of Fe2+. Mohr salt is a good source of ferrous ions, as it provides relatively long shelf life and resistance to atmospheric oxidation.

When the pH of the environment is relatively high (the medium is somewhat basic), the oxidation of this compound occurs relatively rapidly.

A very important fact to remember is that, generally, the solutions of Mohr salt are acidic, where the ammonium cations in them can explain this.

Additionally, Mohr salt solutions can be treated with sulfuric acid to prevent ferric iron from reacting with oxygen to form ferrocyanide. The other very important application of Mohr salt in Fricke's dosimeter is that it allows the measurement of high gamma radiation doses.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. 1. Mohr salt's Structure: What is it?

Mohr salt is known to form crystals with a monoclinic geometrical arrangement. Mohr salt possesses bonding patterns that contain [Fe (H2O)6]2+ containing octahedral centers. A hydrogen bond forms between these centers and the sulfate and the ammonium ions.

2. 2. Which of the following properties of Mohr salt can you list?

In its crystalline form, Mohr salt is a bluish-green solid at Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP). A standard density of 1.86 g.cm-3 is found for Mohr salt under standard pressure and temperature conditions. When dissolved in water, Mohr salt (hexahydrate) dissolves nearly 269 grams per liter as a hexahydrate. This is a list of some of the properties of Mohr salt.

3. 3. What are some applications of Mohr salt?

Mohr salt is an ion source widely used in analytical chemistry for securing Fe2+ ions. It's beneficial to use this salt as a source of ferrous ions due to its relatively long shelf life and resistance to oxidation under atmospheric conditions. It can also be used as a dosimeter, in which high gamma radiation doses are measured using Fricke's dosimeter.

4. 4. What is the purpose of adding dilute sulfuric acid to Mohr salt aqueous solutions?

The dilute sulphatic acid is normally added to Mohr salt solutions in order to prevent the hydrolysis of iron sulfate.

5. 5. What is the chemical structure of Mohr salt?

One of the properties of Mohr salt is its monoclinic crystal structure. There is evidence that the molecular structure of Mohr salt has octahedral centers that are composed of    

 [Fe (H2O)6]2+. Hydrogen bonds are formed between these centers and the ammonium and sulfur ions.

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