Question

What is the difference between Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 ?? I am confused!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Structure:

• The Fe2O3 has several crystal forms as alpha phase, gamma phase, and other phases. Alpha-Fe2O3 has the rhombohedral structure, gamma- Fe2O3 has the cubic structure, and beta phase has cubic body-centered structure.

• The crystal structure of Fe3O4 is “cubic inverse spinel structure.”

• Oxidation state of iron (Fe):

• In Fe2O3 , the oxidation state of iron is (+III).

• Fe3O4 contains both (+II) and (+III) oxidation states.

• Colour:

• Fe2O3 is dark red in colour. It appears as a red-brown solid.

• Fe3O4 has a brownish-black colour with a metallic luster.

• Electrical Conductivity:

• The electrical conductivity of Fe3O4 is significantly higher (* 106) than Fe2O3. The reason for this property is due to the ability to exchange electrons between Fe2+ and Fe3+ centers in Fe3O4.

• As a Pigment:

• Fe2O3 produces several colours as a pigment; “Pigment Brown 6,” “Pigment Brown 7,” and “Pigment Red 101.”

• Fe3O4 is used to make black color pigment called C.I pigment black 11.