Iron naphthenate

Description

Iron napthenate is one of four substances (along with iron linoleate, iron caprylate and iron tallate) that are included among commercial products known as metallic driers. They hasten the drying of oleoresinous coating materials which are used to line the inner surfaces of food-containing cans. Each preparation represents a mixture rather than a single compound; its composition will depend upon the nature and amount of organic acids in the parent oil. Commercial preparations contain both ferrous and ferric salts, with a total iron content of about 6 or 7 percent. Iron napthenate refers to the iron salts of various mixed acids occurring in naphthalene-base crude petroleums. Naphthenic acid is a complex mixture of cyclic compounds with aliphatic side chains. Driers are usually prepared from acid fractions with molecular weights between 220 and 230.

Chemical Properties

A heavy-metal soap. Combustible.

Uses

Food additive.

Definition

A soap based on mixed naphthenic acids. Available commercially as a liquid containing 6% iron.