RautaIIioniin

RautaIIioniin, also known as iron(II) ion, is a chemical species with the formula Fe²⁺. It is a cation, meaning it carries a positive electrical charge, and is formed when an iron atom loses two electrons. In its pure form, iron(II) is a pale green solid.

The iron(II) ion plays a crucial role in various biological and chemical processes. In biology, it is a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the blood of vertebrates. Iron(II) is also involved in numerous enzymatic reactions within living organisms. Chemically, iron(II) is a reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons to other substances, thereby causing them to be reduced.

Iron(II) compounds are common in nature and industry. For example, ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and in medicine to treat iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous chloride (FeCl₂) is employed in water treatment as a coagulant. The oxidation state of iron in iron(II) is +2, distinguishing it from iron(III) (Fe³⁺), which has an oxidation state of +3. The interconversion between these two oxidation states is fundamental to many redox reactions.