Question

Is \[F{e_2}{O_3}\] ionic or covalent?

Answer 1

Hint: Bonding in covalent and ionic compounds is classified based on the character of the electrons which are delocalized. This classification is based on electronic phenomena, in which interactions between electrons in various orbitals lead to bonding.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
A compound whose nucleus accepts an electron is termed an electron acceptor and a nucleus that donates an electron is termed an electron donor. The delocalized electrons on the other hand are known as valence electrons. In covalent bonding, the valence electrons which participate in the bond formation are shared equally between the participating elements. However, in ionic bonding, the valence electrons are completely shared by an atom while the other participating atom or complex accepts the electrons.

Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide is an inorganic compound represented by the molecular formula \[F{e_2}{O_3}\] . It has a molecular mass of 159.68 \[g/mol\] and is often referred to as rust or the reddish-brown colored layer that is formed on corroded iron metal’s surface.
Ferric oxide is an ionic compound. The electronegativity difference between Iron and oxygen atoms in this particular compound is 1.6 and it corresponds to that of a polar covalent bond. Thus \[F{e_2}{O_3}\] has polar covalent bonds. But, the compound has an ionic character. Hence it is an ionic compound.

In the case of ferric oxide, Fe exists as \[F{e^{2 + }}\]. The difference in electronegativity between iron and oxygen determines the sort of bond that results.

Note: A compound with ionic bonding is the one where there is a large electronegativity difference between the participating atoms forming the compounds. The difference in electronegativities between the participating atoms results in the loss of electrons by the less electronegative atom and the gain of those electrons by the more electronegative atom.