HS Code for Potassium ferricyanide

Potassium ferricyanide, with the chemical formula K3[Fe(CN)6], is classified under HS code 2837.20. This code specifically covers complex cyanides. Unlike simple cyanides (such as potassium cyanide), complex cyanides contain a central metal atom (in this case, iron) coordinated with cyanide ligands. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System deals with inorganic chemicals, and heading 2837 is dedicated to cyanides, cyanide oxides, and complex cyanides. Because the iron and cyanide groups are tightly bound in a coordination complex, it is distinct from the simple salts found in 2837.11 or 2837.19. This compound is widely used in blueprinting (Cyanotype process), as an etchant in photography, and as an electron transfer agent in biosensors. The classification is determined by the presence of the complex anion [Fe(CN)6]3-, which defines the product as a complex cyanide rather than a simple salt of hydrocyanic acid.

Products Included

• Red prussiate of potash (common name for potassium ferricyanide).
• Potassium ferricyanide crystals for photographic sensitizing.
• Analytical reagent grade potassium ferricyanide for laboratory testing.
• Potassium ferricyanide used in the hardening of iron and steel.
• Potassium ferricyanide solutions used in electroplating processes.

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for potassium ferricyanide is with potassium ferrocyanide (yellow prussiate of potash). While both are complex cyanides and fall under 2837.20, they have different oxidation states of iron and different industrial uses. Another error is classifying it under 2837.19, which is for "other" simple cyanides. Because potassium ferricyanide is a coordination complex, it must be in 2837.20. It is also occasionally confused with Prussian Blue (ferric ferrocyanide), which is a pigment classified under 3206.41. Finally, it should not be confused with potassium cyanide (2837.19), which is significantly more toxic and lacks the complex iron coordination.

FAQ

What is the HS code for potassium ferricyanide?

The HS code for potassium ferricyanide is 2837.20, categorized under complex cyanides.

Is potassium ferricyanide the same as potassium cyanide?

No, they are chemically distinct. Potassium ferricyanide is a complex cyanide where the cyanide groups are tightly bound to iron, making it significantly less toxic than the simple salt potassium cyanide (KCN).