Iron(II) hydroxide facts for kids
Iron(II) hydroxide is a special chemical substance. Its chemical formula is Fe(OH)2. It contains iron and hydroxide ions (tiny charged particles). The iron in it has a +2 oxidation state, which means it has a specific electrical charge.
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What it Looks Like and How it Behaves
When it is completely pure, iron(II) hydroxide is a white solid. However, it changes very easily when it touches air. It quickly turns a dark green color, which is how you usually see it. If it stays in the air, it reacts with even more oxygen and turns brown. This brown substance is called iron(III) oxide, which is like rust.
Iron(II) hydroxide is also a reducing agent. This means it can give away electrons to other chemicals, causing them to change.
How it is Made
You can make iron(II) hydroxide by reacting iron(II) sulfate with sodium hydroxide. This is the most common way to prepare it.
It can also be formed using electricity. If you put a piece of iron metal in water and use it as the positive connection (called an anode), a green slime will appear around it. At the same time, hydrogen gas will be released at the negative connection (called a cathode).
What it is Used For
Scientists have looked into using iron(II) hydroxide to clean up wetlands. Some wetlands have harmful chemicals called selenite and selenate ions. Iron(II) hydroxide can change these harmful chemicals into selenium, which is much less dangerous.
It is also used inside a special type of battery called the nickel-iron battery.
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Images for kids
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Iron(III) hydroxide stains on a limestone building in Perth, Western Australia. This happens when dissolved iron(II) turns into iron(III) and then settles.
