ferryl and ferrate species: mössbauer spectroscopy investigation

High-valent iron species of oxidation states +4, +5, and +6, have been involved as intermediates in enzymatic reactions, in green organic synthesis, and in purification and disinfection of water. Many of these species have been synthesized to understand their role in different systems, which include ferryl complexes (oxoiron(IV) (Fe^IV=O), oxoiron(V) (Fe^V=O)), iron(IV / V / VI)-nitride complexes, and ferrates ((Fe^VIO₄^2–, Fe(VI), Fe^VO₄^3–, Fe(V), and Fe^IVO₄^4–, Fe(IV)). Ferryl and iron-nitride complexes have organic ligands surrounded at the iron center and are soluble in non-aqueous solvent. Comparatively, ferrate species are tetraoxyanions and are soluble in water. This paper presents Mössbauer spectroscopy as a tool to distinguish different oxidation states of iron and to gain information on the geometry and structure of high-valent iron complexes. Examples are given to demonstrate the application of Mössbauer spectroscopy in learning mechanisms of thermal decomposition of ferrates, encapsulation of heavy metals by ferrates, and oxidation of thiols by ferrates.