Iron Hydride Formula
Iron hydride is a chemical compound composed of iron and hydrogen. Its chemical formula is FeHx, where "x" represents the number of hydrogen atoms that are bonded to each iron atom. The exact value of "x" depends on the specific form and stoichiometry of the compound.
Iron hydride exists in different forms, including alpha-FeH, beta-FeH, and gamma-FeH, which have distinct crystal structures and properties. Alpha-FeH is the most stable form at room temperature and pressure, and it has a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure with two hydrogen atoms per iron atom (x=2). Beta-FeH and gamma-FeH are metastable forms that can be obtained under certain conditions and have different hydrogen content (x=3 and 4, respectively).
Iron hydride is a reactive compound that readily reacts with water and oxygen to produce iron oxide (rust), hydrogen gas, and heat. It can also react with acids and alkalis to produce hydrogen gas and iron salt or hydroxide. Iron hydride has potential applications in hydrogen storage, catalysis, and magnetic materials, among others.