Finding composition of mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3

In summary: So it is reasonable to assume that it contains FeO and Fe2O3 in 1:1 mole ratio. However, in this problem, it is not necessary to know that. Just use the given data to find the amount of FeO and Fe2O3 separately.In summary, a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 was treated with excess aq KI in acidic medium, converting all iron to Fe2+. Further experiments showed that there were 42 milli-equivalents of Fe2+ and 36 milli-equivalents of iodine. From these values, it was determined that the mixture contained 0.216 grams of FeO and 0.6945 grams of Fe3
  • #1
Titan97
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Homework Statement


An ##\mathrm{8~g}## sample of ##{Fe_3O_4}## and ##{Fe_2O_3}## containing some inert impurity was treated with excess of ##\mathrm{aq}## ##{KI}## in acidic medium. which converted all iron to ##Fe^{2+}##. The resulting solution was then diluted to ##\mathrm{50~ml}##.

##\mathrm{10~ml}## of it was taken and the liberated iodine required ##\mathrm{7.2~ml}## of ##\mathrm{1M}## sodium thiosulphate to reduce all iodine.

Another ##\mathrm{25~ml}## was taken and the iodine was removed. The remaining solution required ##\mathrm{4.2~mL}## of ##\mathrm{1M}## ##{KMnO_4}## to oxidize all ##Fe^{2+}##.

Calculate the percentage of composition of the mixture.
The initial solution already contains ##Fe^{2+}## from ##FeO## whic does not react until the second titration.

Homework Equations


equivalence concept

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Working backwards, milli equivalence of ##{Fe^{2+}}## is ##\mathrm{5\times 4.2\times 1=21}## in ##\mathrm{25~mL}## solution. So in ##\mathrm{50~mL}##, the amount of ##{Fe^2+}## is ##\mathrm{42}## m.eq.

Similarly, the m.eq of iodine from titration with thiosulphate is ##\mathrm{36}##

From the first reaction (with iodide), $$\mathrm{m.eq~of~iodine~liberated=m.eq~of~Fe^{2+}~formed}$$
The excess ##{Fe^{2+}}## is from ##{FeO}## which is present in ##{Fe_3O_4}##

amount of ##{FeO}## is ##\mathrm{6~m.eq}##.
Hence its weight is ##\frac{6}{1000}\times\frac{72}{2}=\mathrm{0.216~g}## since n-factor is ##\mathrm{2}##.

Since ##\mathrm{1~mol}## of ##{Fe_3O_4}## conatains ##\mathrm{72~g}## of ##{FeO}##, the amount of ##{Fe_3O_4}## is ##\mathrm{0.6945~g}##. But this answer is wrong. Is there anything wrong in my procedure?
 
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  • #2
I haven't checked other things, as this caught my attention first:

Titan97 said:
From the first reaction (with iodide), $$\mathrm{m.eq~of~iodine~liberated=m.eq~of~Fe^{2+}~formed}$$

Are you sure you are not tricking yourself with equivalents?
 
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  • #3
During the calculation, I got different values for iodine and fe2+. This is because a part of the fe2+ is from FeO which was already present. When KI is added, the meq of iodine formed will be equal to the meq of Fe3+ formed=meq of Fe2+ reacted.
 
  • #4
I strongly suggest you redo the calculations using moles.
 
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  • #5
OK. But before that, can you help with the reaction of Fe3Or? Should I take fe3o4 as one mole of FeO and one mole of Fe2O3.
 
  • #6
Titan97 said:
Should I take fe3o4 as one mole of FeO and one mole of Fe2O3.

Yes, it is a mixed oxide.
 
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1. What is the purpose of finding the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3?

The purpose of finding the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 is to determine the amount or percentage of each compound present in the mixture. This information can be used for various purposes such as quality control, understanding the properties of the mixture, and designing experiments or processes involving the mixture.

2. How can the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 be determined?

The composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 can be determined using various analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). These methods involve analyzing the sample and calculating the amount or percentage of each compound present based on their unique properties.

3. Why is it important to accurately determine the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3?

Accurately determining the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 is important because it can affect the properties and behavior of the mixture. For example, the composition can determine the magnetic properties, electrical conductivity, and reactivity of the mixture. It is also important for quality control purposes to ensure consistency and reproducibility in experiments or production processes.

4. Are there any challenges in finding the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3?

Yes, there can be challenges in finding the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3. One challenge is distinguishing between the two compounds, as they have similar properties and can be difficult to differentiate using some analytical techniques. Another challenge is ensuring that the sample analyzed is representative of the entire mixture, as the composition can vary throughout the mixture.

5. What are the potential applications of knowing the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3?

Knowing the composition of a mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 can have various applications in different industries. It can be used in the production of magnetic materials, catalysts, and pigments. It can also be used in environmental remediation processes, as Fe3O4 and Fe2O3 have been shown to have adsorption properties for certain pollutants. Additionally, understanding the composition of the mixture can aid in the development of new materials and technologies.

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