When sourcing Ferric Oxide (Fe₂O₃) through a scientific distributor like Ibex Sciences, a 2500 Gram (2.5 kg) container constitutes a bulk laboratory or industrial research pack size. [1, 2, 3]
Commonly referred to as Iron(III) oxide, red iron oxide, or synthetic hematite, it is an inorganic, odorless, and water-insoluble compound. A 2.5 kg allotment is frequently ordered by academic, material science, and chemical manufacturing labs for high-volume experimentation, pilot testing, or routine process applications. [1, 2, 3, 4]
1. Key Chemical Properties and Grade Specifications
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- CAS Number: 1309-37-1 [1]
- Molecular Formula: Fe₂O₃ [1]
- Appearance: Fine red-brown, burgundy, or dark purple powder. [1]
- Common Grades Available:
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- Reagent Grade: The highest purity commercial grade, typically utilized for catalyst development, precision calibrations, and chemical synthesis.
- Technical / Purified Grade: Typically features an assay of ≥ 95.0%. This variant is ideal for metallurgical research, ceramic testing, and general industrial benchmarking. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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2. Primary Laboratory and Industrial Applications
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- Metallurgy and Thermite Reactions: In material engineering and physics labs, bulk ferric oxide is utilized to study high-temperature redox behaviors and thermite reactions (when combined with elemental aluminum powder).
- Polishing and Optics (Jeweler’s Rouge): Ultra-fine reagent-grade powder is standardly used as a micro-abrasive agent. It is applied to achieve a highly reflective, final scratch-free polish on optical glass, metallic jewelry, and scientific lenses. [1]
- Pigment and Material Science Studies: Used extensively to test color consistency, UV-stability, and structural durability in experimental formulations of ceramics, paints, glazes, and plastics. [1, 2]
- Catalysis and Synthesis: Serves as an efficient photocatalyst or feedstock material for producing iron-based magnetic nanoparticles, specialty chemical complexes, and iron(III) oxide-hydrate gels. [1, 2]
3. Safety, Handling, and Storage Guidelines
Ferric oxide possesses a relatively benign chemical profile compared to strong chemical oxidizers or heavy metal salts, but its bulk powder form still demands general laboratory caution: [1]
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- Inhalation Countermeasures: Chronic inhalation of iron oxide dust can cause an accumulation of particles in the lungs (siderosis). Always measure, pour, and blend the powder inside a running chemical fume hood or wear an approved particulate dust mask.
- Basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Avoid contact with eyes and skin by wearing standard splash-proof safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and a standard laboratory coat.
- Storage Conditions: The material is highly stable under ambient conditions. Store the 2.5 kg container tightly sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated chemical cabinet to avoid excessive moisture agglomeration or dust dispersion. [1]





















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