Iron exhibit + 2 and + 3 oxidation states. Which of the following statements about iron is incorrect?
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Iron exhibits +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric) oxidation states. The key concept is that a higher positive charge on a cation leads to a smaller ionic radius and higher charge density. This makes Fe3+ a smaller, more polarizing ion than Fe2+. Therefore, ferric (Fe3+) compounds are generally more covalent, more easily hydrolyzed, and less volatile and ionic than their ferrous (Fe2+) counterparts. Ferric oxide () is also less basic than ferrous oxide ().
Final Answer: The incorrect statement is "Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolysed than the corresponding ferric compounds."