Quantitative aspects of the colour reaction between Iron(III) and phenols

The solution complexes of iron(III) with 38 phenols have been studied spectrophotometrically. The colours of these complexes are associated with a broad absorption peak near 500–600 mμ. The stabilities of the complexes, and the detailed structure of 4 of them have also been investigated. Methods for determination of a few phenols are outlined.