What is the name of Fe(NO3)2?

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Multiple Choice

What is the name of Fe(NO3)2?

Explanation:
Using Roman numerals in names shows the metal’s oxidation state. In Fe(NO3)2, there are two nitrate ions, each with a -1 charge, giving a total -2 charge from the anions. The iron must then supply +2 to balance, so the oxidation state is +2. The correct name is iron(II) nitrate (also called ferrous nitrate). Writing simply “iron nitrate” would be ambiguous, because iron could be +2 or +3 in different nitrates. The name for Fe(NO3)3 would be iron(III) nitrate, and “ferric nitrate” is another way to refer to the iron(III) compound, not this one.

Using Roman numerals in names shows the metal’s oxidation state. In Fe(NO3)2, there are two nitrate ions, each with a -1 charge, giving a total -2 charge from the anions. The iron must then supply +2 to balance, so the oxidation state is +2. The correct name is iron(II) nitrate (also called ferrous nitrate). Writing simply “iron nitrate” would be ambiguous, because iron could be +2 or +3 in different nitrates. The name for Fe(NO3)3 would be iron(III) nitrate, and “ferric nitrate” is another way to refer to the iron(III) compound, not this one.

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