Iron(III) ions treated with sodium hydroxide produce what precipitate and its solubility in excess?

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Multiple Choice

Iron(III) ions treated with sodium hydroxide produce what precipitate and its solubility in excess?

Explanation:
When a typical metal ion that forms hydroxides is treated with a strong base, it often produces a solid metal hydroxide that comes out of solution. For iron(III) ions, the hydroxide that forms is ferric hydroxide, Fe(OH)3, which appears as a reddish-brown, gelatinous precipitate. In excess sodium hydroxide, this precipitate does not dissolve because ferric hydroxide is not amphoteric and does not form a soluble hydroxo complex with extra hydroxide ions. So you end up with a red/brown solid that remains insoluble in excess base.

When a typical metal ion that forms hydroxides is treated with a strong base, it often produces a solid metal hydroxide that comes out of solution. For iron(III) ions, the hydroxide that forms is ferric hydroxide, Fe(OH)3, which appears as a reddish-brown, gelatinous precipitate. In excess sodium hydroxide, this precipitate does not dissolve because ferric hydroxide is not amphoteric and does not form a soluble hydroxo complex with extra hydroxide ions. So you end up with a red/brown solid that remains insoluble in excess base.

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