What is chemical formula Fe3O4?

Answer 1

It is known as Iron(II,III) Oxide or Ferrous-Ferric Oxide, but its IUPAC name is

Iron(II) Di-iron(III) Oxide. It has the formula FeO.Fe2O3 but it is generally known as Fe3O4. It is formed by chemical combination of Iron(II) Oxide with Iron(III) Oxide. It has a special property different from the other 2 oxides, as it is exhibits Magnetism. It exists naturally in the Earth in form of Magnetite (or Lodestone) mineral. Some similar Compounds are Mn3O4, Pb3O4 etc.

When iron is molten it reacts with water (vapor) to form [Fe3O4]

3 Fe + 4 H2O ----> Fe3O4 +4 H2

It can also be prepared by reduction of Iron(III) Oxide using Hydrogen(H2) or Carbon Monoxide(CO)

3 Fe2O3 + H2 ----> 2 Fe3O4 + H2O

or

3 Fe2O3 + CO ---->2 Fe3O4 + CO2

Answer 2

Ferric oxide Fe2O3 is a red substance. It occurs in different crystalline forms the most common is haematite. As a fine powder it is used for polishing (it is called jewellers rouge). It is also used as pigment and finds its way into cosmetics. It is magnetic and has been used on magnetic tapes and hard disks.

Answer 3

It is used as a catalyst in the Haber Process and the Water gas shift reaction, and as a Black colour pigment.

Answer 4

It is the compound Tri-Iron Tetroxide or also Iron(II,III) oxide. It is found in the mineral form of Magnetite

Answer 5

It is Iron(II,III) oxide, which is found in nature in the mineral form of Magnetite

Answer 6

Iron(II,III) oxide, also called Magnetite

Answer 7

iron oxide