Ferroxyl indicator solution

Ferroxyl indicator, or rust indicator, is a solution containing potassium hexacyanoferrate(III), phenolphthalein and sodium chloride. It turns blue in the presence of Fe²⁺ ions, and pink in the presence of hydroxide (OH^-) ions. It can be used to detect metal oxidation, and is often used to detect rusting in various situations.

Corrosion of iron nail with coiled copper in medium with ferroxyl indicator

Formula

It can be prepared by dissolving 10g sodium chloride and 1g potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) in distilled water, adding 10 cm³ phenolphthalein indicator, then making up to 500 cm³ with distilled water.