Question

when iron III oxide reacts with vinegar? Is either of the materials reduced or oxidized?

Vinegar is not oxidized or reduced right ? Because it still has an oxidation state of negative 1?
The only thing that is reduced is Fe because it now has an oxidation state of positive 2 instead of 3?

Answer 1

Let's go over what you wrote. I really don't understand how you came up with vinegar changing by -1. Nor how Fe changed from 3 to 2.

When iron(III) oxide and acetic acid(vinegar) are mixed there is no reaction. The oxide may dissolve, albeit slowly, but there really is no reaction. So if there is no reaction there can be no oxidation or reduction. Also, I want to correct your thinking on that last sentence you wrote. You may NOT have just one; if you have oxidation you MUST have something reduced simultaneously.

Answer 2

Hello, I am an art student working with vinegar and iron. I pour vinegar in a jar with small iron objects (screws, bolts etc...) to produce rust (ferric oxide, right?). Once I made my rust vinegar, I paint with it. Are there any health risk associated with this? I.e. can the ferric oxide be absorbed by my skin and breathed in? I had a quick search, it appears that iron oxide is harmful when heated, but could not find any more info. Thank you