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Iron(II) oxide (EYE-urn two OK-side) is a black, dense powder that occurs in nature as the mineral wustite. It reacts readily with oxygen in the air to form iron(III) oxide and with carbon dioxide to form iron(II) carbonate (FeCO3).
Iron(II) oxide occurs in nature as the result of the incomplete oxidation of iron metal. It can be prepared synthetically by heating iron(II) oxalate (FeC2O4), although the product of this reaction is contaminated with another oxide of iron, triiron tetroxide (Fe3O4).
Ferrous oxide; iron monoxide
FeO
Iron, oxygen
Metal oxide
Solid
71.84 g/mol
1,377°C (2,151°F)
Not applicable
Insoluble in water and all ordinary organic solvents; soluble in acids
Iron(II) oxide has three primary uses. First, it has long been used as a dye or pigment in pottery, glazes, and glasses, especially in the green, heat-absorbing glass used in buildings, automobiles, and other applications. The compound is also used as a raw material in the production of steel. Finally, iron(II) oxide is used as a catalyst in a number of industrial and chemical operations.
Inhalation of iron(II) oxide fumes or dust is considered a hazard and can cause throat and nasal irritation. High levels of exposure may lead to a condition known as metal fume fever, a workplace exposure illness that causes flu-like symptoms. Continued exposure at high levels can have more serious effects, including a disease known as siderosis, an inflammation of the lungs that is accompanied by pneumonia-like symptoms.
Cornell, Rochelle M., and Udo Schwertmann. The Iron Oxides; Structure, Properties, Reactions, and Uses. Second edition. New York: Wiley-VCH, 2003.
"Ferrous Oxide." International Programme for Chemical Safety. http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0793.htm (accessed on October 12, 2005).
"Material Safety Data Sheet." ESPI Metals. http://www.espimetals.com/msds's/ironoxidefeo.pdf (accessed on October 12, 2005).