Iron III oxide formula is the common primary formula that students come across while studying chemistry in many classes. In general, the use of the formula and the reactions that are associated with its progress, ranging from basic to more complex as the students advance from a lower class to higher classes. Iron (III) oxide, which is also known as ferric oxide, is an inorganic chemical compound. It is the primary iron oxide that is important and contains a mineral known as hematite, making it an important source of Iron. Sometimes, this compound is also known as either rust or hydrated ferric oxide.
Iron (III) Oxide Chemical Formula
Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] is the chemical formula of Iron (III) oxide or the chemical name of Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] is Iron III oxide. This is derived by taking the compound valency. In general, Oxygen (O) holds a valency of 2, and Iron (Fe) holds a valency of 3. When we write the chemical formula, it is a common process where the compounds usually exchange valencies to attain a balanced and neutral state. Thus, the valency of Oxygen goes to Iron and vice versa.
Formula |
Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] |
Density |
5.242 g/cm[^{3}] |
Molar Mass |
159.69 g/mol |
Boiling Point |
Usually decomposes |
Melting Point |
1566 °C (Theoretical) |
Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] Chemical Name |
Iron III oxide |
Iron (III) Oxide Structural Formula
Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] may be obtained in multiple polymorphs. As the main one, α, Iron adopts an octahedral coordination geometry. It means each Fe center is bound to the six oxygen ligands. And, in the γ polymorph, a few of the Fe sits on tetrahedral sites, holding four oxygen ligands.
The structural formula of iron (III) oxide is represented as follows:
Preparation
Iron (III) oxide is the product of iron oxidation. It may be prepared in the laboratory by electrolyzing a sodium bicarbonate solution, an inert electrolyte, with an iron anode, which is represented chemically as:
4 Fe + 3 O[_{2}] + 2 H[_{2}]O → 4 FeO(OH)
The resulting hydrated iron (III) oxide, which is written here as FeO (OH), dehydrates around 200°C.
2FeO (OH) → Fe[_{2}]O[_{3}] + H[_{2}]O