Electronic Configuration of Iron

Introduction

The electronic configuration is very important for knowing the distribution or representation of electrons present in an atom of an element. The electronic configuration is important for all the structural identification of elements present in our nature. Each element has a distinct number of electrons and so they all have different electronic configurations. Each group present in the periodic table shows a common outer electronic configuration. It was first proposed by the scientist Bohr in the Bohr model of atoms. Iron is a metallic element found in group 8 and period 4 with an atomic number of 26. It is an element found in block d since the last electron of this element and the last electron enter the subshell d.

The Electronic Configuration of Iron

The metallic element found in the periodic table has the symbol Fe. There is a general outer electronic configuration for the elements present in the d block and is (n-1)d(1-10)ns2.Where n is the period in which an element is present. Since ion is present in period 4, the electronic configuration of Iron can be easily written as [Ar]3d6 4s2. This is a simple representation using the noble gas elements. The expanded electronic configuration of iron can be written as, 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6. This is because the atomic number of Iron is 26 so it contains 26 electrons. And is then field according to the order of subshell electronic configuration. The electronic configuration generally seen is [Ar]3d6 4s2, the abbreviated form.

Valency of Iron

The valency of an element means how it will combine with the other atoms to form a particular compound by the loss or acceptance of electrons. The value may also vary with a varying compound. But in general, we can say that the valency of an element is the electrons present in the outermost shell in which the loss or gain of some electrons makes the element attain the stable noble gas configuration. All the elements present in our nature combine with many other atoms or elements to attain some stability. And the number of electrons they lost or gained to attend to the stability is the valency of that element.

The main shell electronic configuration is 2,8,8,8. According to the definition, the outermost number of electrons is 8 so the valency may be 8. But experimentally proven that the valency of Iron is only 2 and 3. This is obtained from the subshell electronic configuration of this element. As the atomic number of iron is 26 and they have the subshell electronic configuration [Ar]3d6 4s2. Iron atoms will lose the outermost two electrons to attain stability. The electronic configuration of iron will be reduced to [Ar]3d6. And the Oxidation state of iron becomes +2. Iron will attain more stability by the loss of one more electron from the d subshell and thereby changing the electronic configuration to [Ar]3d5. This has more stability than iron in the +2-oxidation state and is because of the reason that half-filled d subshell has extra stability. So, the oxidation state changes to +3. So, the valency of Iron is 2, and 3. It will become clear from the below figure.

Properties of Iron

Iron is one of the abundant metallic elements found in the earth's crust that has a lustrous grey-coloured appearance. It is the fourth most element found on earth. For about more than 5000 years ago Iron items have been used by human beings. And the wide usage of iron is due to its characteristic properties.

Hi-Res Images of Chemical Elements, Iron, CC BY 3.0

Some important properties of the metal iron are,

• They are ferromagnetic.

• It is a very hard metal.

• Because of its abundance, it is a very inexpensive element.

• It has a greater malleability with the can be harmed into different shapes by the application of some pressure.

• When dissolved in acids it is very soluble.

• They are all good conductors of heat and electricity like other metals themselves.

Applications of Iron

Iron is an important metallic element from the early stages itself. Iron is used for the making of much equipment for the existence of human life in ancient times itself. The application of iron as a metallic element is very wide because of its characteristic properties. Some of the important applications of iron are,

• It is used for the manufacture of magnets.

• It is used in the making of several cooking utensils.

• It is used in the making of sports equipment and some toys.

• It is widely present in many machines and instruments.

• It is used in the automobile industry for the making of several parts.

• Metal production such as fabricated metals is prepared using this element.

• It has a great application in the alloy manufacturing unit. For example, Steel, it is an alloy of iron that has many more properties than the parent element of Iron.

• It is greatly used in the construction field.

• Iron is also an essential element found in the human body. About 4 grams of iron are present in our bodies. Especially in our blood, haemoglobin.

• It is used in the manufacture of the hull of ships.

Industrial Applications

Several industries work with the help of metal iron. Some industrial applications of iron are,

• Iron in the powder form is used for the cutting of diamonds.

• Iron is useful for the industrial manufacture of Steel and some other alloys.

• It is very important in the automobile industry.

• For the manufacture of several chemicals, iron is used as a catalyst in the chemical industries.

• In the pharmaceutical industry to produce medicine.

• This is very useful for the food industry for the manufacture of cans.

Conclusion

Iron is one of the important chemical elements found on our Earth. And is the fourth most abundant element on the earth that is placed in the 8th group of the periodic table. Iron has an atomic number 26 and is present in period 4th. The subshell electronic configuration of iron is [Ar]3d6 4s2. It is a metal that has distinct properties, so the use of this metal is also very wide. The valency of this element is a two and three. And so, the most common oxidation states of this element are +2 and +3. They are very important in many industries starting from the chemical industry to the pharmaceutical industry they play a very important role.

FAQs

1. Give the formula of rust of Iron?

Rust is the oxide of iron that is formed by the exposure of metal to moisture and air. The chemical formula of rust is Fe₂ O₃.xH₂O.

2. Does myoglobin contain the element Iron?

A porphyrin ring is present in the myoglobin with the element iron as the center. Myoglobin is normally found in the muscle of human beings which helps in the storage of oxygen.

3. How is Iron produced?

Iron is obtained from its ore hematite by performing some redox reactions. Iron is extracted from its ore by performing some reduction methods in the blast furnace. There are a series of steps for the removal of impurities and the production of iron.

4. What are the important alloys of iron?

Different alloy wheels have been manufactured with the help of iron. Some of the important alloys of Iron are stainless steel, cast iron, maraging steel, etc.

5. Which medicine contains iron?

It is present in some medicines for people who are deficient in iron. A medicine used for the treatment of anaemia contains large amounts of iron. Ferret, Epogen, etc. are medicines used for the treatment of anaemia.