Iron exhibits `+2 and +3` oxidation states. Which of the following statements about iron is incorrect?

Options

A. Ferrous oxide is more basic in nature than the ferric oxide.
B. Ferrous compounds are relatively more ionic than the corresponding ferric compounds
C. Ferrous compounds are less volatile than the corresponding ferric compounds.
D. Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolysed than the corresponding ferric compounds.

Answer

To determine which statement about iron is incorrect, we will analyze each statement regarding the oxidation states of iron (+2 and +3) and their implications.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Oxidation States**:
- Iron can exist in two oxidation states: +2 (ferrous, Fe²⁺) and +3 (ferric, Fe³⁺).
- The basicity, ionic character, volatility, and hydrolysis behavior of iron compounds can be influenced by these oxidation states.

2. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Ferrous oxide is more basic in nature than ferric oxide."
- **Analysis**: Ferrous oxide (FeO) has a lower oxidation state (+2) compared to ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃, +3). Lower oxidation states generally correlate with higher basicity since they have a greater tendency to donate electrons. Therefore, this statement is **correct**.

- **Statement 2**: "Ferrous compounds are relatively more ionic than the corresponding ferric compounds."
- **Analysis**: The ionic character is higher in compounds with lower oxidation states. Since Fe²⁺ has a lower charge than Fe³⁺, ferrous compounds are indeed more ionic than ferric compounds. Thus, this statement is **correct**.

- **Statement 3**: "Ferrous compounds are less volatile than the corresponding ferric compounds."
- **Analysis**: Volatility tends to decrease with increasing ionic character and charge. Since ferrous compounds (lower charge) are more ionic, they are less volatile than ferric compounds (higher charge). Hence, this statement is **correct**.

- **Statement 4**: "Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolyzed than the corresponding ferric compounds."
- **Analysis**: Hydrolysis is generally easier for compounds with higher oxidation states due to their covalent character. Ferric compounds (higher oxidation state) are more easily hydrolyzed compared to ferrous compounds. Therefore, this statement is **incorrect**.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect statement about iron is: "Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolyzed than the corresponding ferric compounds."

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is: "Ferrous compounds are more easily hydrolyzed than the corresponding ferric compounds."