Question

What would be the formula of the compound iron (III) phosphide? Fe2P3 Fe3P FeP3 FeP

Answer 1

FeP oc. Fe(III)  + P(III) - FeP

Fe(II),(III),(VI)
P(III),(V)

Answer 2

Answer : The correct formula of the given compound will be, $FeP$

Explanation :

Iron (III) phosphide is an ionic compound because iron element is a metal and phosphorous element is a non-metal. The bond formed between a metal and a non-metal is always ionic in nature.

The nomenclature of ionic compounds is given by:

1. Positive ion is written first.

2. The negative ion is written next and a suffix is added at the end of the negative ion. The suffix written is '-ide'.

3. In case of transition metals, the oxidation state are written in roman numerals in bracket in-front of positive ions.

The charge on iron is (+3) and the the charge on phosphide is (-3). The charges are balanced.

Hence, the formula of the compound iron (III) phosphide will be $FeP$