Comparison of the core size distribution in iron dextran complexes using Mossbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction

Mossbauer spectra of a series of iron dextran complexes in the intermediate temperature range where both sextet and doublet coexist may be used to obt ain a qualitative description of the distribution of core sizes in these sa mples. Eight samples from five suppliers have been examined at 100 and 77 K . These differ markedly in the relative doublet contribution to the total s pectral area and also in the hyperfine fields characterizing the sextets. T he results indicate three distinct types of distribution. One sample from e ach type has also been examined at 4 K, where the doublet component has van ished and the hyperfine field distribution has become narrow and symmetric. These data are compared with estimates of average core diameters from X-ra y line broadening. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.