Iron(ii) sulfate is a chemical compound containing iron and sulfate ions. It is commonly used in water treatment and as a nutrient supplement for plants.
| IUPAC Name | Iron(II) sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | FeSO4 |
| CAS Number | 7720-78-7 |
| Synonyms | Ferrous sulfate, iron sulfate, green vitriol, melanterite, szomolnokite |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Fe.H2O4S/c;1-5(2,3)4/h;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q+2;/p-2 |
Iron(ii) Sulfate Properties
Iron(II) Sulfate Formula
The chemical formula of iron(II) sulfate is FeSO4. This formula indicates that ferrous sulfate consists of one iron atom, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. The formula of ferrous sulfate is an important parameter for calculating various physical and chemical properties of the compound, such as molar mass and molecular weight.
Iron(II) Sulfate Molar Mass
The molar mass of ferrous sulfate is 151.91 g/mol. This value represents the mass of one mole of ferrous sulfate, which contains 1 atom of iron, 1 molecule of sulfur, and 4 molecules of oxygen. The molar mass is an important parameter for calculating various physical and chemical properties of ferrous sulfate, such as density and concentration.
Iron(II) Sulfate Boiling Point
Ferrous sulfate does not have a specific boiling point as it undergoes decomposition before it reaches its boiling point. At atmospheric pressure, it begins to decompose at around 300°C. This decomposition involves the loss of water and sulfur trioxide, leaving behind iron(III) oxide. This decomposition behavior limits the use of ferrous sulfate in high-temperature applications.
Iron(II) Sulfate Melting Point
The melting point of ferrous sulfate depends on the degree of hydration. Anhydrous ferrous sulfate melts at 695°C, while the heptahydrate form melts at 64°C. Ferrous sulfate can exist in several different hydrated forms, each with a different melting point. The melting point of ferrous sulfate is an important parameter for determining the best conditions for preparing and handling the compound.
Iron(II) Sulfate Density g/mL
The density of ferrous sulfate varies depending on the degree of hydration. Anhydrous ferrous sulfate has a density of 3.65 g/mL, while the heptahydrate form has a density of 1.897 g/mL. The density of ferrous sulfate is an important parameter for calculating the volume of a given mass of the compound.
Iron(II) Sulfate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of ferrous sulfate is 151.91 g/mol. This value represents the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent atoms in one molecule of ferrous sulfate. The molecular weight is an important parameter for calculating various physical and chemical properties of ferrous sulfate, such as boiling point and solubility.
Iron(II) Sulfate Structure
Ferrous sulfate has a crystal structure that belongs to the monoclinic system. The crystal structure of ferrous sulfate consists of iron(II) cations surrounded by six water molecules and sulfate anions. The crystal structure of ferrous sulfate is an important parameter for understanding the physical and chemical properties of the compound.
| Appearance | White or pale green crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 3.65 g/cm3 (anhydrous) |
| Color | Pale green |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 151.91 g/mol |
| Density | 3.65 g/cm3 (anhydrous), 1.89 g/cm3 (heptahydrate) |
| Melting Point | 695°C (anhydrous), 64°C (heptahydrate) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before reaching boiling point |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol |
| Vapor Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | 4 (0.1 M solution) |
Iron(ii) Sulfate Safety and Hazards
Ferrous sulfate can pose certain hazards to human health and safety. It may cause irritation and redness of the skin and eyes upon contact, and inhalation of its dust can cause respiratory tract irritation. Ingestion can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Moreover, exposure to ferrous sulfate can cause occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible individuals. It is important to follow proper handling and storage procedures, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and avoid inhaling or ingesting the compound. In case of accidental exposure, seek medical attention immediately and refer to the safety data sheet for guidance.
| Hazard Symbols | Xn, N |
| Safety Description | Keep away from moisture, acids, and oxidizing agents. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not ingest. Use with adequate ventilation. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. |
| UN IDs | UN3077, UN1376 |
| HS Code | 2833.29.90 |
| Hazard Class | 9 (miscellaneous dangerous goods) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed, causes skin and eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. May cause sensitization by inhalation or skin contact. |
Iron(ii) Sulfate Synthesis Methods
Several methods exist for synthesizing ferrous sulfate.
One common method involves the reaction of iron filings with sulfuric acid in the presence of water and oxygen. This produces a solution of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, which can be further purified by crystallization.
Another method involves the reaction of iron oxide with sulfuric acid at high temperatures, followed by cooling and filtration of the resulting solution.
A reducing agent, such as iron powder or sulfur dioxide, can reduce iron(III) sulfate to obtain ferrous sulfate. This produces ferrous sulfate and sulfuric acid. To prepare ferrous sulfate, one can react iron with sulfur dioxide and oxygen in the presence of water.
Another method involves the reaction of iron with dilute sulfuric acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. This produces ferrous sulfate and water.
Iron(ii) Sulfate Uses
Iron(II) sulfate has a wide range of applications in various industries, including:
- Water treatment: Commonly used in water treatment to remove impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide, from water.
- Fertilizers: Used in the production of fertilizers to provide essential iron nutrients to plants.
- Pigment production: Used as a precursor to producing various iron oxide pigments, such as yellow and brown pigments.
- Nutritional supplements: Used as a nutritional supplement to treat iron-deficiency anemia in humans and animals.
- Wastewater treatment: Used in the treatment of wastewater to remove phosphate and other contaminants.
- Ink production: Used in the production of ink as a blackening agent.
- Wood preservatives: Used as a wood preservative to protect the wood from fungal and insect attacks.
- Laboratory reagent: Used as a laboratory reagent in various chemical reactions and analyses.
Questions:
Is iron sulfate soluble in water?
A: Iron sulfate, also known as ferrous sulfate, is moderately soluble in water.
Q: What is the formula for the compound iron(ii) sulfate?
A: The formula for ferrous sulfate is FeSO4.
Q: What is the chemical formula for iron(ii) sulfate?
A: The chemical formula for ferrous sulfate is FeSO4.
Q: What is the percent sulfur in iron(ii) sulfate?
A: The percent sulfur in ferrous sulfate is 18.5%.
Q: Is iron(ii) sulfate soluble in water?
A: Yes, iron II sulfate, also known as ferrous sulfate, is soluble in water.
Q: What is ferrous sulfate?
A: Ferrous sulfate is another name for ferrous sulfate, a chemical compound that is commonly used in various industries.
Q: What is ferrous sulfate used for?
A: Ferrous sulfate is used for various purposes, including water treatment, fertilizer production, pigment production, nutritional supplements, ink production, wood preservatives, and laboratory reagents.