The above equation shows the reaction between iron (Fe) and concentrated, hot sulfuric acid (H2SO4), resulting in iron (III) sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3) and hydrogen (H2).
- Reaction conditions:
The condition for the reaction to occur is that the sulfuric acid must be concentrated and hot. If it is dilute sulfuric acid, it will produce iron (II) sulfate and hydrogen.
- Reaction process:
When iron is reacted with concentrated, hot sulfuric acid, iron (III) sulfate and hydrogen gas are formed. Iron is oxidized from an oxidation state of +2 to +3, while the hydrogen atom in H2SO4 is reduced from an oxidation state of +1 to 0.
- Observed phenomena:
As the reaction occurs, iron will gradually dissolve in the concentrated, hot sulfuric acid solution and hydrogen gas bubbles will escape. The solution after the reaction has the reddish-brown color of Fe3+ ions in iron (III) sulfate.