3 O2 (g) + 4 Fe (s) → 2 Fe2O3 (s)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
6 O0 + 12 e- → 6 O-II (reduction)
4 Fe0 - 12 e- → 4 FeIII (oxidation)
O2 is an oxidizing agent, Fe is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
- O2
- Fe
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.]