What is the oxidation state of iron in the compound Fe2O3?

• A. -3
• B. +2
• C. 0
• D. +3

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the elements in the compound Fe2O3: iron (Fe) and oxygen (O).
2. Recall that oxygen almost always has an oxidation state of -2 in compounds.
3. Set up an equation to represent the total oxidation state of the compound, which must be zero because the compound is neutral: \$2 \times (\text{oxidation state of Fe}) + 3 \times (-2) = 0$.
4. Let the oxidation state of iron be \(x\). Substitute into the equation: \$2x + 3(-2) = 0$.
5. Solve for \(x\): \$2x - 6 = 0\( which simplifies to \)2x = 6\(, so \)x = +3$. Therefore, the oxidation state of iron in Fe2O3 is +3.