Fe2O3 - Iron(III) oxide

What is Iron(III) oxide?

Fe₂O₃ is an inorganic compound with a chemical name Iron(III) oxide. It is also known as Hematite or Red iron oxide. This compound occurs naturally in rocks of all ages. It appears as a Red-brown solid. It is odorless. It has a pH value of 7.

Production of Iron(III) oxide:

Iron(III) oxide is a product obtained from the oxidation of iron. In laboratories, it is prepared by electrolyzing sodium bicarbonate solution, an inert electrolyte, along with an iron anode.

The deriving hydrated iron(III) oxide, which is written here as Fe(O)OH, dehydrates at around 200 °C. The reaction is as follows:

Properties of Iron(III) oxide – Fe₂O₃

Iron(III) oxide structure – Fe₂O₃

The above image describes the structure of the Iron(III) oxide. Fe₂O₃ is the chemical formula of Iron(III) oxide which has three oxygen atoms, two iron atoms. The oxidation state of Fe₂O₃ is +3. The bond formation between oxygen and iron depends on the difference in electronegativity between these two atoms. Iron(Fe) is metal whereas oxygen(O₂) is non-metal. Therefore, such bonds are called an Ionic bond.

Atoms:

Chemical reaction:

1. Carbothermal reduction – Reduction of metal oxides with a reducing agent such as carbon at a temperature range of several hundred degrees Celsius. The reaction is as follows:

1. Exothermic thermite reaction with aluminum –

The reaction is as follows:

Uses of Iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃)

• Iron(III) oxide is used as a feedstock in the production of iron.
• It is used as a pigment. Example: Pigment Brown 6 and Pigment Red 101
• It is used in cosmetics.
• It is used in dental composites.
• It is an important ingredient in calamine lotion.
• It is used to apply the final polish on metallic jewelry.
• It is used in the magnetic disk and magnetic tapes.

Iron(III) oxide health hazards – If inhaled, iron causes irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the uses of ferric oxide?

Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) is used in paints and coatings, inks, plastics, rubber products and glass as a pigment and/or UV blocking agent. It is also used as a polishing agent for glass, diamonds and precious metals. This compound also finds use as a component in magnets, as a dental abrasive, and as a process regulator or catalyst in the manufacture of other products.

How is Fe2O3 formed?

Iron (III) oxide, or ferric oxide, is the product that is formed when iron undergoes oxidation. This can be prepared in the laboratory by electrolyzing a sodium bicarbonate solution, an inert electrolyte, with an iron anode. The resulting hydrated iron(III) oxide, is dehydrated at around 200 °C.

Is ferric oxide acidic or basic?

Ferric oxide, also known as iron(III) oxide, is an amphoteric oxide of iron with the chemical formula Fe2O3. It can be noted that oxides of iron, aluminium, and tin, are all amphoteric chemical species – they exhibit both acidic and basic qualities.

Learn more about the chemical properties and importance of Fe₂O₃ from the expert faculties at BYJU’S.

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