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Iron II Oxide is an inorganic compound which is also known as Ferrous Oxide or Iron Monoxide. Iron II Oxide is one of the several iron oxides. Iron II Oxide Formula is FeO. Iron II Oxide consists of one iron atom and one oxygen atom. It is a black-colored crystalline solid that does not dissolve in water and alkali. Iron II Oxide has a wide range of industrial uses.
Key Terms: Iron II Oxide Formula, Iron II Oxide, Ferrous Oxide, Iron Oxide, Oxidation, Atom, Iron, Crystalline Solid
Iron II Oxide
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Iron II Oxide is an iron oxide containing one iron atom and one oxygen atom. It is an inorganic compound that forms approximately 9% of the earth’s mantle.
- Iron II Oxide is also known as Ferrous Oxide or Iron Monoxide.
- The chemical formula of Iron II Oxide is FeO.
- It belongs to a family of related non-stoichiometric compounds.
- Iron II Oxide occurs as a black crystalline solid.
- It is insoluble in water and alkali whereas it is soluble in acids.
- The compound occurs due to the incomplete oxidation of the iron metal.
- Iron II Oxide is considered to be electrically conductive within the mantle.

Iron II Oxide
Iron II Oxide Formula
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Iron II Oxide Formula is given as FeO. Since Iron is a transition metal, it can donate multiple electrons in chemical reactions. The oxidation of Iron takes place in presence of oxygen. Iron II Oxide is formed when complete oxidization of iron does not occur.
2Fe+O2 → 2FeO
Every oxygen atom requires two electrons to fill the outer shell. In this specific case, the donation of two electrons takes place from one iron atom to one oxygen atom. In this situation, the Roman numeral II is used after the symbol of iron.
Read More: Copper (I) Oxide
Structure of Iron II Oxide
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Iron II Oxide has a cubic and rock salt structure. In this compound, the iron atoms are octahedrally coordinated by oxygen atoms and the oxygen atoms are octahedrally coordinated by iron atoms. The structure of Iron II Oxide is as follows:

Properties of Iron II Oxide
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The main properties of Iron II Oxide are listed below:
- It is a black-coloured dry powder.
- The melting and boiling point of Iron II oxide is 1377 °C and 3,414 °C respectively.
- The density of Iron II oxide is 5.745 g/cm3.
- The molecular weight of Iron II oxide is 71.844 g/mol.
- It is insoluble in water and alkalies. It is readily soluble in acids.
- Iron II Oxide easily oxidizes in air.
- It is a strong base and absorbs carbon dioxide readily.
Read More: Aluminium Oxide
Uses of Iron II Oxide
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Here are the important uses of Iron II Oxide:
- Iron II Oxide is an important component in manufacturing. It is widely used in manufacturing steel as a raw material.
- It is used as a dye or pigment for pottery glazes.
- Iron II oxide is approved by FDE for use in cosmetics.
- Iron II Oxide is also used in various tattoo inks.
- It is also used as a phosphate remover from home aquaria.
- It is used in green heat-absorbing glass.
Things to Remember
- Iron II Oxide is an inorganic compound that is one of the several iron oxides.
- It is composed of one iron atom and one oxygen atom.
- Iron II Oxide Formula is FeO and is formed due to incomplete oxidization of iron.
- It is a black crystalline solid which is insoluble in water and alkali and soluble in acids.
- Iron II Oxide has a number of uses such as being used as a raw material in manufacturing steel, or as a dye or pigment in the heat-absorbing glass in automobiles and buildings.
Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs)
- Of two oxides of iron, the first contained 22% of…
- Iron can be obtained by reduction of iron oxide…
- Iron exhibits +2 and + 3 oxidation states. Which of the following…
- Corrosion of iron is essentially electrochemical…
- Thermite is a mixture of iron oxide and…
- In a blast furnace, iron oxide is reduced by… (KCET 2005)
- What is the net charge on ferrous ion…
- Iron is extracted by… (COMEDK UGET 2011)
- In order to protect, iron from corrosion, the iron is…
- Cast iron is used for the manufacture of… (JEE Main 2020)
Sample Questions
Ques. What is Iron II Oxide? (3 Marks)
Ans. Iron II Oxide is an inorganic compound. It is one of the several iron oxides present. It is made up of one iron atom and one oxygen atom. The compound Iron II Oxide belongs to a family of related non-stoichiometric compounds.
Ques. What is Iron II Oxide Formula? (3 Marks)
Ans. The Iron II Oxide formula is FeO. Iron donates multiple electrons in chemical reactions owing to its transition properties. FeO is formed when there is incomplete oxidization of iron.
2Fe+O2→2FeO
Ques. What are the health hazards associated with Iron II Oxide? (3 Marks)
Ans. Some of the health effects of Iron II Oxide are as follows:
- Inhalation of the Iron II Oxide fumes or dust can be hazardous.
- It can cause throat as well as nasal irritation.
- A high level of exposure to the compound can cause illness with flu-like symptoms.
Ques. Why is Iron II Oxide called so? (3 Marks)
Ans. The molecular or chemical formula of Iron II Oxide is given as FeO. Since, iron forms more than one cation, or positive ion, the Roman numeral II is used to distinguish it from the Iron (III) cation.
Ques. What are the uses of Iron II Oxide? (3 Marks)
Ans. There are three primary uses of Iron(II) Oxide:
- Iron II Oxide is used as a dye or pigment in pottery, glazes, and glasses.
- It is used in especially in the green, heat-absorbing glass used in buildings, automobiles, and other applications.
- It is widely used as a raw material in the production of steel.
Ques. Does Iron II oxide rust? (3 Marks)
Ans. Iron (II) Oxide, which is also known as ferrous oxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula FeO. The mineral form of Iron (II) Oxide is known as Wustite. It appears like a black powder and is sometimes confused with rust, However, Iron II Oxide is not the same as rust.
Ques. Is Iron II Oxide safe for the skin and face? (3 Marks)
Ans. Yes, Iron II Oxide is considered to be safe as it is used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is because it is non-toxic and non-allergic. People with sensitive skins can also tolerate Iron oxide. It is approved by FDE for use in cosmetics.
Ques. Explain the use of Iron II Oxide in the heat-absorbing glass. (3 Marks)
Ans. When water attaches to Iron II oxide molecules, it results in the formation of a greenish colour. In this form. Iron II Oxide is a component of green heat-absorbing glass which is common in cars and windows in buildings. They are also used in various greenhouses where plants grow indoors.
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