Why does iron only have 2+ and 3+ oxidation states?

Question

Why does iron only have 2+ and 3+ oxidation states?

1 Answer

Impact of this question

4338 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1 · 2016-06-24T18:03:50

Both #Fe(II)# and #Fe(III)# are common oxidation states of iron. They are not the ONLY oxidation states exhibited by iron metal.

Explanation:

The electronic structure of the iron atom predisposes the stability of #Fe^(2+)# and #Fe^(3+)#. Other oxidation states are viable. Offhand I can think of #Fe(-II), Fe(-I)#, #Fe(0)#, #Fe(VI+)#.

Science

Math

Humanities

... and beyond

Why does iron only have 2+ and 3+ oxidation states?

1 Answer

Explanation:

Related questions

Impact of this question