The hard X-ray spectrum of the Seyfert galaxy IRAS 18325–5926: reflection from an ionized disc and variable iron K emission

We report our analysis of the X-ray spectra of the Seyfert galaxy IRAS 18325−5926 (= Fairall 49) obtained from various X-ray observatories prior to XMM–Newton, including new results from two RXTE and one BeppoSAX observations. A relatively steep continuum slope (Γ≃ 2.2) in the 2–15 keV band is confirmed. The continuum spectrum observed with the BeppoSAX PDS shows a possible roll-over at energies above 30 keV, indicating a Comptonizing corona cooler than in other Seyfert nuclei. The X-ray spectrum above 2 keV is best explained with a model including reflection from a highly ionized disc with significant relativistic blurring. The iron Kα emission feature is then mainly due to Fe xxv. The seven recent observations show that the iron K emission flux appears to follow the continuum between the observations separated by a few months to years, although some exceptions suggest that the linestrength may be determined in a more complex way.