Iron(II) lactate

Iron(II) lactate

Names
IUPAC name Ferrous 2-hydroxypropanoate
Other names Iron dilactate Iron(II) lactate E585
Identifiers
CAS Number	5905-52-2 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	20839
PubChem CID	22197
UNII	5JU4C2L5A0 Y
InChI InChI=1/2C3H6O3.Fe/c2*1-2(4)3(5)6;/h2*2,4H,1H3,(H,5,6);/q;;+2/p-2 Key: DKKCQDROTDCQOR-NUQVWONBAL
SMILES [Fe+2].[O-]C(=O)C(O)C.[O-]C(=O)C(O)C
Properties
Chemical formula	C6H10FeO6
Molar mass	233.9888 g/mol (anhydrous) 288.03464 g/mol (trihydrate)
Appearance	greenish-white powder
Melting point	500 °C (932 °F; 773 K)
Solubility in water	trihydrate: 2.1 g/100ml (10 °C) 8.5 g/100ml (100 °C) dihydrate: 2% (25 °C)
Solubility	soluble in alkali citrates negligible in alcohol insoluble in ether
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Ferrous lactate, or iron(II) lactate, is chemical compound with idealized formula Fe(C₃H₅O₃)(H₂O)_n. No compound has been characterized to establish composition, purity, or structure.

Production

Iron(II) lactate can be produced through several reactions, among which are calcium lactate with iron(II) sulfate according to the following reaction:

${\mathsf {FeCO_{3}+2C_{3}H_{5}O_{3}H\ \xrightarrow {} \ Fe(C_{3}H_{5}O_{3})_{2}+CO_{2}\uparrow +H_{2}O}}$

Another route yielding iron(II) lactate is to combine lactic acid with calcium carbonate and iron(II) sulfate.

Uses

Iron (II) lactate is used as a reagent in the production of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), specifically in the production of cathode catalytic converters used in these cells. It is an acidity regulator and, since it oxidizes on contact with air, it has found use as a color retention agent for foodstuffs such as olives. It is also used to fortify foods with iron, as a remedy for anemia due to iron deficiency, and as a nutritional supplement in tablet or pill form. As a food additive it is coded under the E number E585.