Finding composition of mixture of Fe3O4 and Fe2O3

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the percentage composition of a mixture of iron oxides, specifically ##{Fe_3O_4}## and ##{Fe_2O_3}##, following a series of chemical reactions involving iodine and thiosulfate in a laboratory setting. The context includes a homework problem that requires understanding of redox reactions and stoichiometry.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The initial post outlines a procedure for calculating the composition based on titration results and the equivalence concept, but the author questions their own calculations.
  • One participant challenges the equivalence assumption made in the initial calculations regarding the relationship between iodine liberated and ##Fe^{2+}## formed.
  • Another participant notes discrepancies in the values for iodine and ##Fe^{2+}##, attributing this to the presence of ##FeO## in the mixture, which complicates the calculations.
  • A suggestion is made to redo the calculations using moles instead of equivalents for clarity.
  • There is a query about the stoichiometry of ##Fe_3O_4##, specifically whether it should be treated as one mole of ##FeO## and one mole of ##Fe_2O_3##, which is confirmed by another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and assumptions made regarding the equivalence of iodine and ##Fe^{2+}##. There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the proper approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in the initial calculations, including the need to account for the presence of ##FeO## and the implications of using equivalents versus moles in stoichiometric calculations.

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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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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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.
 
I strongly suggest you redo the calculations using moles.
 
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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.
 
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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