Here's why:
* Iron(II) ions (Fe²⁺) are prone to oxidation in the presence of air and water. This means they would readily react with oxygen to form iron(III) ions (Fe³⁺).
* Hydrogen carbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) are unstable in solution and tend to decompose into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Instead of a stable formula, you'd likely observe a reaction if you tried to make iron(II) hydrogen carbonate. The reaction would produce iron(II) carbonate (FeCO₃) as a precipitate, carbon dioxide gas, and water:
Fe²⁺(aq) + 2 HCO₃⁻(aq) → FeCO₃(s) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(l)
Let me know if you have any other chemistry questions!