[Khemyst]

When Fe is combusted, do we get Fe₂O₃ or Fe₃O₄, or both.  I've just seen different webpages say different things, and I'm not sure.  Also, is the resulting iron oxide a basic/acidic/amphoteric oxide?  I think I'm pretty sure that it's not an acidic oxide, but again, some websites have said that it's a basic oxide, and others have said amphoteric.  If it is amphoteric, does anyone know how the iron oxide behaves as an acid then?  Or what is the reaction of iron oxide in base?

THanks!!!

[Borek]

We get mixture of Fe₂O₃ and FeO. In 1:1 molar ratio they happen to form Fe₃O₄. Fe₃O₄ is so stable it dominates in iron combustion products.

Basic/amphoteric... I would say mostly basic (can be dissolved in acids), although FeO can be dissolved in concentrated NaOH yielding Na₄[Fe(OH)₆].