Iron(II) hypochlorite is a chemical compound that consists of iron in its +2 oxidation state and the hypochlorite anion (ClO⁻). To determine its chemical formula, we must consider the charges of these ions and how they combine to form a neutral compound.
Understanding the Components
- Iron(II) Ion (Fe²⁺): The Iron(II) ion has a +2 charge.
- Hypochlorite Ion (ClO⁻): The hypochlorite ion carries a -1 charge.
The formula for Iron(II) Hypochlorite is Fe(ClO)₂.
Explanation:
- Iron(II) (Fe²⁺): The iron ion has a +2 charge in the +2 oxidation state.
- Hypochlorite (ClO⁻): The hypochlorite ion has a -1 charge.
- Since the iron(II) ion has a +2 charge and each hypochlorite ion has a -1 charge, two hypochlorite ions are needed to balance the charge.
Thus, the correct chemical formula is Fe(ClO)₂.
Since an electrically neutral compound requires a balance between positive and negative charges, we need two hypochlorite (ClO⁻) ions to counterbalance the +2 charge of one Fe²⁺ ion.
Properties and Applications
Iron(II) hypochlorite is relatively unstable and not commonly found in pure form due to its reactivity. Hypochlorites, in general, are known for their oxidizing and disinfectant properties. However, iron(II) compounds tend to undergo oxidation to iron(III) in the presence of oxygen, making iron(II) hypochlorite even less stable.
The correct chemical formula for iron(II) hypochlorite is Fe(ClO)₂. While not a widely used or stable compound, understanding its formulation provides insight into coordination chemistry and the behavior of transition metal hypochlorites.
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