2 Fe (s) + 3 H2SO4 (aq) → Fe2O3 (s) + 3 SO2 (aq) + 3 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 SVI + 6 e- → 3 SIV (reduction)
2 Fe0 - 6 e- → 2 FeIII (oxidation)
H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent, Fe is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- Fe2O3 – Iron(III) oxide
- Other names: Ferric oxide , Hematite , Ferric iron
- Appearance: Red-brown solid ; Reddish brown-to-black crystals or powder ; Reddish-brown solid. [Note: Exposure to fume may occur during the arc-welding of iron.] ; A fine, red powder of ferric oxide. [Note: Usually used in cake form or impregnated in paper or cloth.]
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride , Sulphur dioxide , Sulfurous acid anhydride
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- H2O – Water, oxidane