Preparation of Fe3O4
Though iron oxide Fe3O4 exists naturally its high usage of has lead to the wide-scale production of this compound. Below are a few methods of Iron oxide production:
Method 1
The reaction between Hot iron metal and steam, this reaction results in iron oxide and hydrogen gas
3Fe + 4H2O → Fe3O4 + 4 H2
Method 2
It can be produced by Schiorr reaction. Under a low concentration of oxygen, Freous Hydroxide can be broken down to form iron oxide, water molecules and hydrogen gas.
3Fe(OH)2 → Fe3O4 + H2 + 2H2O
Method 3
Iron oxide is commercially produced with the use of scrap iron and industrial waste. The said materials contain huge amounts of iron salts which are used in the production of Iron oxide. This process is also called Laux Process
C6H5NO2+ 3Fe + 2H2O → C6H5NH2 + Fe3O4