[poisonkiller]

Hello!
I have two questions to ask, but I didn't want to create two threads, so I made only one.

Firstly, I have a project I need some advice on. I am trying to create "fake blood" ([Fe(NCS)(H2O)₅]²⁺) with NaSCN and FeCl₃ by only using simple chemicals, which can easily be bought. Ordering NaSCN, KSCN or NH₄SCN from EBay or somewhere else would just be boring, wouldn't it.

So... Making FeCl₃ should be fairly easy - electrolyse NaCl solution (car battery charger + iron nails) to get chlorine and direct it over hot iron filings. Then I could just dissolve the chloride in water and one component of the reaction is mine.

Synthesising NaSCN is a bit more complicated. I'm thinking the best way is to heat some baking soda in a crucible with a propane or butane torch until I get Na₂O. Then mix in some carbon and heat more. The reaction should be as follows:
Na₂O + C + N₂ -> NaCN + CO
The thing is, I am not sure about this reaction, is it even possible? Anyway, assuming it is, converting NaCN to NaSCN should be as easy as heating it with S₈.

What I'm asking is that is this possible and if not, how would I pursue it?

The second question is a request for an explanation. My chemistry teacher told me, that metal + hydroxide reaction cannot yield an acid salt. I researched it a bit, but did not find much. My question is that why not?

PS. Please don't assume anything from my forum name, it is just a coincidence.
PS2. If something is confusing, just ask, my English is not perfect (not my primary language).

[Borek]

So... Making FeCl₃ should be fairly easy - electrolyse NaCl solution (car battery charger + iron nails) to get chlorine and direct it over hot iron filings. Then I could just dissolve the chloride in water and one component of the reaction is mine.

To get Fe³⁺ just dissolve iron in any acid and aerate the solution. Air oxygen should do the trick.

[AWK]

KSCN, NASCN or NH₄SCN are relatively cheap and quite safe reagents, but their synthesis is much more complex than show by you in reaction scheme (moreover synthesis is extremely dangerous).