What is Iron(II) hydroxide?
[[File:DSC01968 - Fe (II) Reactions.JPG|thumb|The second tube from the left has pure iron(II) hydroxide]] '''Iron(II) hydroxide''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is Fe(OH)<sub>2</sub>. It has [[iron]] and [[hydroxide]] [[ion]]s in it. The iron is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== When pure, it is a white solid. It very easily turns dark green in air, which is its normal form. It then reacts with more oxygen to turn brown as [[iron(III) oxide]] is formed. It is a [[reducing agent]]. ==Preparation== It can be formed by [[electrolysis]] of water with a piece of iron metal as the [[anode]] (positive connector). A green slime will appear around it, and [[hydrogen]] will be released at the [[cathode]] (negative connector). It is normally made by reacting [[iron(II) sulfate]] with [[sodium hydroxide]]. ==Uses== It was being investigated as a detoxifier in [[wetland]]s. Some wetlands have toxic [[selenite]] and [[selenate]] ions in them. Iron(II) hydroxide [[reduction (chemistry)|reduces]] them to [[selenium]], which is much less toxic. It is also used in the [[nickel-iron battery]]. ==Related pages== *[[Iron(II) oxide]] *[[Iron(II) chloride]] [[Category:Iron compounds]]