question_answer

Out of \[F{{e}^{2+}}\] and \[F{{e}^{3+}}\] ions, which is more stable?

Answer:

                  \[F{{e}^{3+}}\] ion is more stable than \[F{{e}^{2+}}\] ion. This is explained on the basis of the electronic configurations of the two ions.\[F{{e}^{3+}}\] ion with all the five 3d orbitals half filled, is more symmetrical than \[F{{e}^{2+}}\] ion in which four 3d orbitals are half filled and one is filled. Therefore, \[F{{e}^{3+}}\] ion is more stable than \[F{{e}^{2+}}\] ion. \[F{{e}^{2+}}:\,\,1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{2}}2{{p}^{6}}3{{s}^{2}}3{{p}^{6}}3{{d}^{6}};\]\[F{{e}^{3+}}\,:\,\,1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{2}}\,2{{p}^{6}}\,3{{s}^{2}}\,3{{p}^{6}}\,3{{d}^{5}}\] Moreover, \[F{{e}^{3+}}\] ion has a greater tendency to get hydrated in aqueous solution as compared to\[F{{e}^{2+}}\] ion. It is therefore, expected to be more stable.