Why aren't metal ions bonded together in componds such as Fe2(SO4)3?

Question

If I put this compond into a solution (aq) how would I know that the Fe ions are not bonded to each other? What tells me this information? when Fe disassociates from (SO4)3 why can the ionic form for Fe be written as F2^+3 instead of 2Fe^+3?

Answer 1

Working backwards, we need not cite the 2 ions, since it it clear that each has the same +3 charge.

Generally ions DON'T bond together. If they did, they would not form this compound. To handle the six minus charges from the sulfate, each ion has to have 3+ charges.