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

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

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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+)#.

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

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