The photochemical decomposition of the citrate-ferric iron comples: A study of the reaction products by paper ionoporesis

Abstract

A solution containing citric acid (0.lM) and ferric chloride (0.1M) was irradiated by bright sunlight for 3 hr. The products of the photochemical reaction were examined by means of paper ionophoresis using 0.05M sodium chloride as the electrolyte. Acetone-dicarboxylic acid and acetoacetic acid separated readily and were identified by their positions on the paper and by their red-violet reactions on contact with a solution of ferric chloride sprayed onto the paper. The ferrous iron simultaneously produced during the photochemical reaction also separated during ionophoresis and was identified on the paper. The existence of an anionic citrate-ferric iron complex was demonstrated by paper ionophoresis.