Iron (III) was rapidly extracted as its ternary complex with tributyl phosphate and N-phenly1-2-furylacrylohydroxamic acid (PFHA) from weakly acidic (pH 1.0-1.5) solutions into isobutyl methyl ketone and was determined atomic absorption spectrometrically. The method tolerated the presences of a large number of anions and cations commonly associated with iron, and was successfully tested with certified samples of coal fly ash, alloys, and plant tissues. It was also applied to the analysis of animal tissues, natural waters, and wastewaters; validating it by standard addition technique. PFHA was selected from nine new hydroxamic acids.