hellllp!

[luciab]

Is there anyone around here who knows enough chemistry to give me a little tutoring? I am writing a paper on iron gall ink, which is made with tannic acid and iron sulfate. Some places that is written iron(II) sulfate, and since I never studied ANY chemistry I don't know the significance of that or how big a difference it makes. This is for a short paper, but later in the semester I will be writing in more detail about the interactions between iron gall ink and paper, and iron gall ink and vellum/parchment.

The first paper is due on Monday, so time is kind of key. I think I can fudge through this one without really understanding the chemistry, (which is why I'm just now posting this) but for the term paper I think it'll be more important.

Comments

[madlori.livejournal.com]

Master's degree in chemistry, right here.

What do you need to know, exactly? Feel free to email...madlori at gmail dot com.

[zihuatanejo.livejournal.com]

While I can't claim the Chem Cred of Madlori, I could probably help you out with it if you want to come over.
Actually, I was meaning to ask whether or not you'd be able to teach me some drafting tricks and calligerizing. I'll trade ya.

[luciab.livejournal.com]

Cool-- look at http://www.knaw.nl/ECPA/ink/ to get an idea of what I'm dealing with. I'm writing to madlori now to see how much I can do verbally. I'll be in touch.

[harleenquinzell.livejournal.com]

Iron (II) sulfate refers to the fact that Iron can produce different types of ions, and the one being used there is +2

Iron (II) means that the iron atom is at a +2 charge (as opposed to Iron (III) which is at a +3 charge). Which means that the sulfate, which is normally a -3 ion ( think) leaves the molecule at a -1 charge, all of which means it's reactive.

If I'm remembering my gobblegook correctly. Regardless, there ARE Iron(III) sulfates, but you really should check if it's II or III. :>

B.

[harleenquinzell.livejournal.com]

And I'm really not sure if the chemical correctness is necessary for your paper unless you're going into the chemical reactions that cause the ink to oxidize and darken. If so, I'll check it for you if you want.

Or Madlori can as well ;>

B.

[luciab.livejournal.com]

Duh. Why didn't I think to ask you? Silly me. And it's definitely (II) in the articles I've seen.

[tall-man.livejournal.com]

If it's iron sulfate with the iron at +2 and the sulfate at -3, wouldn't there just be a crystal with 3 irons and 2 sulfates (ie, a net zero charge ionic molecule)? I'm thinking something like two tetrahedrons joined at the base, with the sulfates at the "tips" and the irons in the middle.