The chemical Fe(CO)₅, also known as iron pentacarbonyl, is a hazardous compound used in manufacturing plants. This article will explore the impact of Fe(CO)₅ on the health of workers, from potential risks to the necessary protective measures when working in this environment.
1. What is Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-)?
Iron pentacarbonyl, also known as Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)₅), with the chemical formula C₅FeO₅, is an organometallic compound of iron. It is a type of compound that contains five carbonyl (CO) molecules bonded to a central iron (Fe) atom. These carbonyl molecules form coordinate bonds with the iron, giving the compound its characteristic properties.
Iron pentacarbonyl is an unstable and volatile compound under normal conditions, so it is usually stored and used in a sealed, controlled environment. This compound is pale yellow and is a liquid at room temperature. Due to its volatile and toxic nature, it needs to be handled and used with caution in industrial applications.
Fe(CO)₅ is mainly used in industries such as catalyst production, manufacturing of iron-containing organic compounds, or in scientific research as a source of iron in chemical reactions. However, due to its toxic properties, the use of this compound requires strict protective measures for workers who come into direct contact with this chemical.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Iron Pentacacbonyl | Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) | 29319090 | 13463-40-6 | C5FeO5 |
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2. Where does Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) originate from in the production process?
During the production process, this compound can originate from various sources. Typically, it is created in processes involving the processing and use of iron-containing compounds or in chemical reactions involving carbon monoxide (CO). Specifically, when iron is exposed to CO under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions, this process will produce iron pentacarbonyl. This synthesis process usually takes place in chemical manufacturing plants, where CO is used as an agent to form bonds with iron.
In addition, in industries such as oil and gas and materials production, this compound can also be generated when iron is used in the production or recycling processes of metal compounds. In these environments, contact with CO and reactants can lead to the formation of Fe(CO)₅, especially when processing or operational procedures are not well controlled.

3. Industries that use Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) in production
In production, this compound is mainly used in the chemical and oil and gas industries. One of the important applications of Fe(CO)₅ is in the process of producing catalysts, especially in the synthesis of organic compounds containing iron. The chemical manufacturing industry, particularly plants that fabricate organic compounds, uses this compound to create products with special properties, such as organoiron compounds for complex chemical reactions.
In addition, the oil and gas industry also uses this compound in research and processing procedures. Fe(CO)₅ is an important component in chemical reaction processes for fabricating materials and catalysts for the oil and gas production industry. Some other applications include the production of iron-containing compounds used in materials fabrication and in chemical research, where iron metal compounds play an important role in creating precise chemical reactions.
4. How does Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) affect workers?
Exposure to this compound can cause serious health effects for workers. When inhaling the vapor or gas of Fe(CO)₅, a worker’s body can be poisoned, especially the respiratory system. Symptoms of poisoning can include headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. In cases of prolonged exposure or high concentrations, it can cause more serious problems such as lung and nervous system damage.
Furthermore, contact with this compound can also cause skin reactions such as irritation or dermatitis. This compound is easily absorbed through the skin upon direct contact, so workers in an environment with Fe(CO)₅ need to be carefully protected. These effects are particularly dangerous for those working in chemical plants, where exposure to CO gas and iron compounds is unavoidable in some production processes.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) for human exposure
The permissible safe concentration of this compound for human exposure must be strictly controlled to avoid negative health effects. According to occupational health protection regulations, the concentration of Fe(CO)₅ in the air must not exceed the permissible level in the work environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) and occupational safety agencies have issued standards for the maximum concentration of toxic gases, including this compound.
The concentration of Fe(CO)₅ in the air must be maintained at a very low level, below 0.8 mg/m³ throughout a work shift to ensure safety. When this concentration exceeds the permissible level, workers are at risk of acute poisoning or developing diseases related to the respiratory and nervous systems.

On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, adhering to safety standards and limiting exposure to Iron pentacarbonyl is important. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Iron, pentacarbonyl-(Iron carbonyl (Fe(CO)5), (TB-5-11)-) on workers
To minimize the health effects of this compound on workers, preventive and protective measures are essential. First, production facilities must control the concentration of Fe(CO)₅ in the air, ensuring that the exposure level does not exceed the permissible safety limit. Installing effective ventilation and dust extraction systems helps to remove toxic gases and maintain fresh air in work areas.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to prevent direct contact with this compound. Work procedures should also be adjusted to minimize exposure, such as working in a closed environment and using protective equipment when handling Fe(CO)₅.
Training and raising awareness for workers about the potential risks from this compound is also very important. There should be occupational safety training programs that provide guidance on how to prevent and respond to incidents involving Fe(CO)₅. Regular health check-ups for workers will help to detect early signs of poisoning and allow for timely treatment.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of hazard to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit for monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
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In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
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8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation table for occupational environment monitoring services.
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