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Solution  of  Succinate  of  Tron. 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
May,  1891. 
iron  solution.  Succinate  of  iron  dissolves  in  a  strong  solution  of 
potassium  acetate  with  a  deep  red  color,  but  the  resulting  liquid  is 
unstable  on  account  of  the  gradual  formation  of  oxy-acetate  of  iron, 
which  is  precipitated.  This  change  may  be  prevented  by  the  addi- 
tion of  glycerin. 
The  main  objection,  however,  in  preparing  a  solution  by  this 
method  is  more  on  therapeutical  than  pharmaceutical  grounds, 
namely,  the  excessive  amount  of  potassium  acetate  required. 
Most  insoluble  iron  salts  dissolve  in  the  presence  of  citrates,  and 
this  is  also  the  case  with  the  %  succinate.  By  employing  either 
sodium  or  potassium  citrate,  solutions  of  both  ferrous  and  ferric 
succinate  may  be  prepared.  To  prevent  confusion  the  respective 
solutions  are  described  separately. 
Solution  Ferric  Succinate. — Attempted  saturation  of  succinic  acid 
by  ferric  hydrate  has  a  negative  result,  ferric  succinate,  as  already 
mentioned,  being  entirely  insoluble  in  water.  If  the  saturation  is, 
however,  made  in  the  presence  of  citrates,  combination  readily  takes 
place. 
The  following  yields  a  stable  solution  : 
Succinic  acid,   64  grs. 
Hydrated  oxide  of  iron  a  sufficient  quantity. 
Glycerin,  ^  ss. 
Potassium  citrate,   giv. 
Water  sufficient  to  make   4  oz. 
Dissolve  the  citrate  in  the  glycerin  with  the  aid  of  heat,  add  the 
oxide  in  small  portions,  alternately,  with  a  little  water,  stirring  well 
after  each  addition.  Finally,  add  enough  water  to  make  4  oz.,  boil 
for  about  to  minutes,  allow  to  cool  and  filter.  Theoretically,  about 
40  grs.  of  Fe2i  OH)6  are  required,  but  when  the  solution  was  pre- 
pared, the  amount  was  found  to  be  insufficient.  It  is  best,  if  the 
acid  is  boiled  with  an  excess  of  the  iron  and  allowed  to  settle  before 
filtration.  The  solution  contains  about  2-5  grains  ferric  succinate  in 
one  fluid  dram.  It  is  of  a  deep  ruby  color,  ferruginous  taste,  acid 
reaction,  miscible  with  water  in  all  proportions,  and  not  affected  by 
dilute  acids,  but  turned  deep  red  by  ammonia;  sp.  gr.  rno. 
The  commercial  salt  is  also  rendered  soluble  in  the  presence  of 
citrates  and  the  solution  may  be  directly  prepared  from  the  same. 
The  following  method  yields  a  solution,  which  differs  considerably 
in  appearance  from  the  one  prepared  by  the  foregoing  method : 
