What are the oxidation numbers for iron oxide, #Fe_3O_4#?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 27, 2016

This is a mixed valence compound of #Fe(II)# and #Fe(III)#.

Explanation:

If we write #Fe_2O_3*FeO# the formulation is easier to consider. #Fe_3O_4# occurs naturally as the mineral magnetite. Iron oxide chemistry is a very broad church and many mixed oxides and oxidation states are available.

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