triiron carbide Property

Melting point:

1250°C

Density 

7.694 [CRC10]

form 

solid

color 

gray cubic crystals, crystalline

EPA Substance Registry System

Iron carbide (Fe3C) (12011-67-5)

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

triiron carbide Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Chemical Properties

gray cub crystal(s) [CRC10]

Uses

Triiron Carbide can be used as a catalyst.

Definition

A constituent of certain cast irons and steels. The presence of cementite increases the hardness of the metal.

Synthesis

It is best to start with electrolytic iron sheet; this is held over benzene vapor to deposit a layer of carbon, then baked for a long time in vacuum at 700°C and slowly cooled. To isolate Fe3C the sheet is placed in a neutral FeCls bath and used as an anode at the lowest possible current density. The bath is the same as used in the preparation of electrolytic iron. In this way very pure Fe3 C is left behind as a coarsely crystalline gray powder. It is washed with dilute acetic acid, water, alcohol and ether, and dried in vacuum.