Iron(III) hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) plays a role in rust formation and is used as a pigment. It can transform into hematite (Fe2O3), the primary component of rust, and is a factor in the corrosion of metals like the iron in the Statue of Liberty, which is now replaced with corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substance Fe(OH)3 is known as iron(III) hydroxide, a compound that forms rust when iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture. Iron(III) hydroxide is significant in the formation of rust, which is a type of corrosion that continually damages iron as it flakes off to expose more iron to the environment. Fe(OH)3 is also utilized as a pigment in various paints and cosmetics. The substance can react further to form iron(III) oxide, commonly known as hematite, which is the main component of rust and has the empirical formula Fe2O3. Corrosion rates can be influenced by factors such as metal contact, as seen with the Statue of Liberty, where iron bolts contributed to its corrosion but were replaced with stainless steel to resist further damage.