The exact chemical name for FeO is Iron(II) oxide. It is also commonly known as ferrous oxide.
Common Names and Forms of FeO
FeO is an inorganic compound with several names depending on its context or form.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Iron(II) oxide | The systematic chemical name for FeO. |
| Ferrous oxide | A common, traditional name for FeO. |
| Wüstite | The mineral form of Iron(II) oxide found in nature. |
As an inorganic compound, Iron(II) oxide has the chemical formula FeO. Its mineral counterpart, wüstite, shares the same chemical composition but refers to its naturally occurring form.
Understanding the Naming Convention
The Roman numeral "(II)" in Iron(II) oxide is crucial for its naming in inorganic chemistry. It indicates the specific oxidation state of the iron atom in the compound.
- Iron (Fe): A transition metal that can exist in multiple oxidation states.
- (II): Signifies that the iron atom has an oxidation state of +2. In FeO, one iron atom with a +2 charge combines with one oxygen atom, which typically has a -2 charge, resulting in a neutral compound.
This systematic naming helps differentiate FeO from other iron oxides, such as Iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), where iron is in the +3 oxidation state.
For further details, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Iron(II) oxide.
