Question

Why does iron only have 2+ and 3+ oxidation states?

Answer 1

Both `Fe(II)` and `Fe(III)` are common oxidation states of iron. They are not the ONLY oxidation states exhibited by iron metal.

Explanation:

The electronic structure of the iron atom predisposes the stability of `Fe^(2+)` and `Fe^(3+)`. Other oxidation states are viable. Offhand I can think of `Fe(-II), Fe(-I)`, `Fe(0)`, `Fe(VI+)`.