Is iron water soluble?

Iron can be water soluble, but it depends on its chemical form.

Here's a breakdown:

• Ferrous Iron (Fe²⁺): This form of iron is soluble in water. When iron is in its ferrous state, it dissolves more readily, making the water appear clear and colorless. The reference text supports this directly.

• Ferric Iron (Fe³⁺): This form of iron is generally not soluble in water. When ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) is exposed to oxygen, it can oxidize into ferric iron (Fe³⁺), which then tends to precipitate out of the water, often resulting in a reddish-brown tint. This is often seen in iron-rich water sources.

In summary, whether iron is water soluble depends on its oxidation state. Ferrous iron is soluble, while ferric iron is generally insoluble. The presence of oxygen and other factors like pH can influence the form of iron present in water.