Question

Write the chemical equation for the dissolution reaction of solid iron(iii) hydroxide in water. include the phases of all species in the chemical equation.

Answer 1

When solid iron (iii) hydroxide is dissolved into water, it ionizes or it dissociates into ions. These ions are the iron (iii) ions and the hydroxide ions. Iron(III) oxide is classified as a base when in aqueous solution since it produces hydroxide ions. It is a weak base so it does not completely dissociate into the solution. The dissociation equation would be:

Fe(OH)3 <-----> Fe3+ + OH-

To write a complete reaction, the reaction should be balanced wherein the number of atoms of each element in the reactant side and the product side should be equal. Also, the phases of the substances should be written. We do as follows:


Fe(OH)3 (s)  <-----> Fe3+ (aq) + 3OH- (aq)