 |
| Synonyms:Ferric ferrocyanide Ferric hexacyanoferrate Iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II) Potassium ferric ferrocyanide Pigment Blue 27 PB27 Molecular Formula:C6FeN6.4/3Fe Molecular Weight: 859.23 HS Code: 3203001100 Grade:/ Hazard Class:General Cargo | |||||||||
14038-43-8
bosschem
14038-43-8
Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide, Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃) is the first modern synthetic pigment — a deep blue crystalline powder discovered in 1706 that remains one of the most light-stable blue colorants ever made. As Pigment Blue 27 (CI 77510) it colors printing inks, paints, plastics, crayons and even banknote anti-counterfeit inks, prized for its intense shade and outstanding permanence.
The same open cubic crystal lattice that imparts color to Prussian blue captures thallium and cesium ions via ion exchange thanks to its cubic open framework structure. Today, this identical framework chemistry is being industrialized once more: for cathodes in sodium-ion batteries, as well as in electrochromic devices and biomedical nanotechnology applications.
A single pigment, four core value propositions:
Pigments & Inks:
● a lightfast, intense blue for inks, paints, plastics and anti-counterfeit printing;
Analytical & Laboratory:
● the classic reagent for iron detection (Prussian blue reaction) and biological staining;
Advanced Materials:
● a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries and a platform for electrochromic
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Iron(III) ferrocyanide (Prussian blue) |
Synonyms | Ferric ferrocyanide; Ferric hexacyanoferrate; Berlin blue; Paris blue; Milori blue; Turnbull's blue; Pigment Blue 27 (CI 77510) |
CAS No. | 14038-43-8 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 237-875-5 |
Molecular Formula | Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃·xH₂O (C₁₈Fe₇N₁₈) |
Molecular Weight | 859.25 g/mol (anhydrous) |
Appearance | Deep blue crystalline powder |
Density | ≈ 1.8 g/cm³ |
Lightfastness | Excellent — one of the most light-stable blue pigments known |
Prussian blue is a coordination polymer in which ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) centers are bridged by cyanide ligands (–CN–), forming a cubic framework with channels that can host small cations such as K⁺, Tl⁺ and Cs⁺. The intense blue comes from charge transfer between the two iron oxidation states. The compound is insoluble in water, chemically stable and extremely lightfast — properties that underlie both its pigment and its antidote function.
● Exceptional lightfastness: one of the most light-stable blue pigments known, retaining color for decades in outdoor and archival use.
● Intense deep-blue shade: strong tinting strength at low dosage in inks, paints, plastics and artist materials.
● Chemically stable and insoluble: safe, durable and compatible with most formulation matrices.
● Anti-counterfeit value: the distinctive iron blue used in security printing inks.
● Emerging battery chemistry: an established cathode platform for sodium-ion batteries (Prussian blue analogues).
● Versatile framework: channels for ion exchange make it useful in analysis, adsorption and environmental remediation.
1 Pigments & Inks (Core Application)
Prussian blue is the classic iron-blue pigment of the printing and coatings industries:
● Printing inks: deep, permanent blue for packaging, publication and specialty inks;
● Paints and coatings: iron blue for industrial, architectural and artist paints with excellent outdoor durability;
● Plastics and crayons: pigment for colored plastics, wax crayons, linoleum and leather cloth;
● Security printing: anti-counterfeit component of document inks.
2 Analytical & Laboratory Applications
● Iron detection: the classic Prussian blue reaction detects Fe³⁺ in qualitative analysis;
● Histological staining: stains ferric iron and ferritin in tissue samples (Perls' stain);
● Redox and indicator chemistry: reference compound in electrochemistry and analytical methods.
3 Advanced Materials
● Sodium-ion batteries: Prussian blue analogues are a leading cathode family for grid-scale sodium storage;
● Electrochromic devices: color-switching layers in smart windows and displays;
● Environmental remediation: adsorbs Cs, Cu, Co, Ni and other ions from water and soil.
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg fiber drum with PE liner, 20 kg carton, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC;
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers closed to prevent moisture pick-up and caking;
● Store away from strong acids and oxidizing agents — thermal or acid decomposition releases HCN;
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;small trial orders accepted.
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
Prussian blue is used as a highly lightfast deep-blue pigment in inks, paints, plastics and security printing; as a classic analytical reagent for iron detection; and increasingly as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries and in electrochromic
Prussian blue itself has low acute toxicity — but industrial-grade powder can irritate the eyes and airways. Use dust masks, gloves and goggles, and keep it away from acids and heat. It is an industrial chemical.
