Question:

The nature of \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) is

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Amphoteric oxides, like \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \), can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water.
Updated On: Apr 22, 2026
  • acidic
  • basic
  • amphoteric
  • None of these
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the oxide.
The compound \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) is iron(III) oxide, also known as ferric oxide. It is an inorganic compound that forms when iron reacts with oxygen in excess.

Step 2: Behavior of \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) with acids and bases.

To determine the nature of \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \), we need to analyze how it reacts with acids and bases. - \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) reacts with acids such as hydrochloric acid to form iron salts, such as iron chloride: \[ \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 6HCl \to 2FeCl_3 + 3H_2O \] This reaction indicates that \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) behaves as an acid. - \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) also reacts with strong bases like sodium hydroxide to form soluble complex compounds, such as ferrate ions: \[ \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 2NaOH + 3H_2O \to 2Na[Fe(OH)_4] \] This reaction indicates that \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) behaves as a base.

Step 3: Conclusion.

Since \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) reacts both with acids and bases, it is considered an amphoteric oxide, which can act as both an acid and a base. Thus, the correct answer is \( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \) is amphoteric, corresponding to option (3).
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