Ferrous Sulfate

Iron(II) sulphate, also known as ferrous sulphate, refers to a group of salts with the formula FeSO4 xH2O. These compounds are most commonly known as heptahydrates (x = 7), but they are also known for a variety of other x values. The hydrated form is used in medicine to treat iron deficiency, as well as in industrial applications. Since ancient times, it has been known as copperas and green vitriol (vitriol is an archaic term for sulphate). The most common form of this material is blue-green heptahydrate (hydrate with “7” water molecules). This article will teach you about ferrous sulphate.

What is Ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous sulphate, also known as green vitriol, is an iron salt. The term ferrous sulphate refers to a group of salts with the formula FeSO4 xH2O. Iron(II) sulphate is also known as ferrous sulphate, green vitriol, iron vitriol, copperas, melanterite, and szomolnokite. The most common type of this material is blue-green heptahydrate (hydrate with “7” water molecules). When iron(II) sulphates dissolve in water, they form the same aquo complex [Fe(H2O)6]2+, which is paramagnetic and has an octahedral molecular geometry.

The term copperas dates back to when copper(II) sulphate was known as blue copperas, and iron(II) and zinc sulphate were possibly known as green and white copperas, respectively. When iron filings are mixed into a copper sulphate solution, the iron pushes the copper out of the way because it is more reactive and takes its place, resulting in the formation of iron sulphate.

It is included on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines as one of the safest and most effective drugs required in the medical field. It was the 94th most commonly prescribed drug in the United States in 2018, with over 8 million prescriptions.

Ferrous Sulfate Characteristics:

• FeSO4 is the chemical formula for ferrous sulphate.
• It has a molar mass of 151.908 g/mol.
• Ferrous sulphate has a density of 2.84g/cm3.
• Ferrous sulphate color/appearance – White crystals that are anhydrous
• Yellowish white crystals of monohydrate
• Heptahydrate crystals are bluish-green in colour.
• Odour – It has no odour.
• The melting point of ferrous sulfate is between 56 and 64 degrees Celsius.
• The boiling point of ferrous sulfate is greater than 300 degrees Celsius.
• 2 Covalently Bonded Units
• It dissolves in water.

Uses of Ferrous sulfate

It is a reducing agent used to convert chromate in cement to a less toxic Cr(III) substance. For centuries, ferrous sulphate has been used as a dye fixative in the textile industry. In addition, it is used to blacken the leather and as a source of ink. For more than 700 years, the distillation of green vitriol (Iron(II) sulphate) has been used to produce sulphuric acid.

1. Medical use of Ferrous Sulfate

Iron is a necessary heavy metal that can be found in a variety of over-the-counter multivitamin and mineral supplements. It is also used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anaemia at higher doses. Iron has little or no adverse effect on the liver when consumed at the usual prescribed daily intake or at the replacement dosage. Iron causes severe toxicity in high doses and intentional or unintentional overdosages, one of which is acute liver failure.

Impheron and iron dextran are iron supplements that are administered intravenously. The most common oral iron supplements are ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulphate. Ferrous sulphate is by far the safest and least expensive iron supplement.

2. Plants growth

Iron (II) sulphate, also known as ferrous sulphate, is a soil amendment used to lower the pH of high alkaline soil so that plants can absorb nutrients. It can be used to treat iron chlorosis in horticulture. Although it does not act as quickly as ferric EDTA, its effects last longer. It can be combined with compost and dug into the soil to create a long-lasting store.

• Introduction of ferrous sulphate into the cooling water running through the turbine condenser tubes to form a corrosion-resistant protective layer.

• It can be used to precipitate metallic gold from auric chloride solutions in gold refining (gold dissolved in solution with aqua regia).

• It has been used to purify water through flocculation and to eliminate phosphates in municipal and industrial sewage treatment plants to prevent eutrophication of water bodies.

• Useful as a traditional method of treating wood panelling on houses, either separately, dissolved in water, or as an ingredient in water-based paint.

• Green vitriol is also a useful reagent for mushroom detection.

• It can be used as an iron catalyst in the Fenton reagent.

• It’s one of the most important ingredients in iron gall ink.

Conclusion 

Iron sulphate, also known as ferrous sulphate, refers to a group of salts with the formula FeSO4 xH2O. When iron filings are mixed into a copper sulphate solution, the iron pushes the copper out of the way because it is more reactive and takes its place, resulting in the formation of iron sulphate. FeSO4 is the chemical formula for ferrous sulphate. In addition, it is used to blacken the leather and as a source of ink. Iron is a necessary heavy metal that can be found in a variety of over-the-counter multivitamin and mineral supplements. The most common oral iron supplements are ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulphate. Ferrous sulphate is by far the safest and least expensive iron supplement.