What colour precipitate do iron (III) ions (Fe3+) produce when reacted with sodium hydroxide solution?

When iron (III) ions (Fe3+) are reacted with sodium hydroxide solution, they form a brown precipitate known as iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)3). This reaction is a classic example of a metal ion in solution reacting with a hydroxide to form an insoluble metal hydroxide precipitate.

The brown coloration arises from the oxidation state of iron in Fe3+, which tends to produce hydroxides that display this characteristic appearance. Other colors of precipitates correspond to different metal ions and their hydroxides, such as white for aluminum or green for iron(II). In contrast, blue precipitates are typical for copper ions (Cu2+) reacting with sodium hydroxide. Thus, the specific reaction involving iron (III) ions leads to the unique brown precipitate observed.