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Ferrous Sulphate Formula: Definitions, History, Physical and Chemical Properties, Structure, Uses, and Side Effects

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 07th July, 2023 , 6 min read

Ferrous Sulphate Formula Overview

An iron salt with the chemical formula FeSO4 is ferrous sulphate. Green vitriol is the common name for iron salt ferrous sulphate. Injectable iron includes iron dextran and inferno. Oral iron is known by the generic names ferrous fumarateferrous gluconate, and ferrous sulphate. The best and least expensive form of iron supplementation is ferrous sulphate. It is created when iron filings are added to a solution of copper sulphate; because iron is more reactive than copper, it pushes the copper out of the way and forms iron sulphate in its stead.

What is Ferrous Sulphate?

Iron salts include ferrous sulphate, sometimes called green vitriol. A set of salts having the formula FeSO4 xH2O is referred to as ferrous sulphate. Other names for iron(II) sulphate include ferrous sulphate, copperas, melanterite, iron vitriol, and green vitriol. The blue-green heptahydrate kind of this substance—a hydrate with "7" water molecules—is the most prevalent variant. The similar aqua complex [Fe(H2O)6]2+, which is paramagnetic and has an octahedral molecular geometry, is created when iron(II) sulphates dissolve in water.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

History of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

The name "copperas" has its origins in the times when copper(II) sulphate was referred to as "blue copperas," iron(II) and zinc sulphate were probably referred to as "green copperas," and so on. When iron filings are added to a solution of copper sulphate, the more reactive iron displaces the less reactive copper and forms iron sulphate in its place. One of the safest and most useful medications needed in the medical industry, it is listed on the World Health Organization's list of essential medications.

Physical Properties of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

The following table gives the details about the physical properties of the Ferrous Sulphate Formula-

Particulars 

Details 

FeSO4

Ferrous Sulfate

Chemical Formula

FeSO4

Density

2.84 g/cm³

Boiling Point

>300 °C

Melting Point

56-64 °C

Other Names

Iron(II) sulfate, Iron sulfate, Iron(2+) sulfate

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass

151.908 g/mol

Chemical Properties of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Aluminum sulphate and metallic iron are created when ferrous sulphate combines with aluminum in a displacement reaction. The chemistry is described below-

Particulars 

Details 

Appearance

Blue-green powder or crystals

Odor

Odourless

Complexity

62.2

Solubility

Soluble in water.

Covalently-Bonded Unit

2

Hydrogen Bond Acceptor

4

In the presence of sulfuric acid, ferrous sulphate interacts with potassium permanganate to create ferric sulphate, manganese sulphate, potassium sulphate, and water.

Structure of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Iron(II) sulphate or ferrous sulphate is a component of several salts. FeSO4.xH2O makes up the sulphate chemically. Hexahydrate salt is the most common kind. Medical treatment for iron deficiency uses hydrated salt. It may be used in a number of industrial contexts as well. When iron(II) sulphates dissolve in water, a similar aqua complex is created. This aquatic complex has an octahedral design. The formula for the aqua complex is [Fe(H2O)6]2+. Paramagnetism is the weak magnetic attraction of some substances by a magnetic field plus a faint external magnetic field.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Read more about the Unit of Magnetic Field and Magnetic Induction Formula.

Uses of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Ferrous sulphate is often employed as a basis in commerce for other iron compounds. It works as a reducing agent to turn the hazardous chromate into the less harmful Cr(III) product. Ferrous sulphate is employed in the textile industry for color fixing. It also serves as a source of ink for tainting suede. The following are some of the uses of the ferrous sulphate formula-

Used in Agriculture

Ferrous sulphate, a soil supplement, lowers the pH of very alkaline soils so crops can receive nutrients. Agrarian ailments like iron chlorosis are treated with iron. Although it doesn't work as quickly as ferric EDTA, it lasts longer. Mixing it with compost and burying it in the ground, it may be utilized to create a permanent storage container.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Used as a Dye

The most well-known ink made with ferrous sulphate dates back to the Middle Ages and was iron gall ink, which was used until the late 18th century. Ferrous sulphate darkens or "saddens" the natural colors of protein or cellulose fibers as a color modifier. Additionally, it makes dark colors lightfast because it is a natural colorant. Iron and tannin are used extensively in the well-known black dye compositions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Iron reacts with the tannin in numerous dyestuffs to give colors ranging from lime green to black, depending on the pigment it is combined with. 

A different option for the reducing agent in a typical indigo fermentation vat, sometimes referred to as the "Copperas" vat, is ferrous sulphate. The word copperas is an old name for iron, and this vat is particularly appropriate for cellulose fibers. On the printed fabric, it can occasionally be used to deepen a solution to make black lines.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Used in Medicine

Ferrous sulphate (325 mg) is a common medicine used to treat and prevent iron-deficient anemia. The body uses iron to improve the red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout the body. The iron supply can become too low and cause anemia as a result of things like blood loss, childbirth, or iron deficiency. Your liver won't be harmed by taking iron at the recommended dosage or as a replacement. Rapid liver failure is a symptom of severe toxicity from unintentional or intentional overdoses of massive quantities of iron.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Other Uses of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

A non-corrosive layer of defense can be created by adding ferrous sulphate to the cooling water running through the turbines.

During the process of refining gold, ferrous sulphate precipitates metallic gold from auric chloride (gold dissolved in an aqua regia solution).

Green vitriol is a useful reagent for mushroom detection.

It works effectively as the iron catalyst component of the Fenton reagent. 

Ferrous sulphate has been used in municipal and industrial sewage treatment facilities for phosphate removal and flocculation-based water purification to stop algae blooms in water bodies.

Useful for conventionally treating wood paneling on structures, either individually after dissolving it in water or as a component of water-based paint.

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Side Effects of Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Ferrous sulphate has adverse effects much like any other drug. The most frequent adverse effects of ferrous sulphate are as follows-

  1. Abdominal Pain
  2. Constipation
  3. Nausea
  4. Reduced Appetite
  5. Stacked stools in black

The following are harmful consequences of ferrous sulphate-

  1. A terrible tummy ache
  2. Cough up blood-colored mucous
  3. Fever
  4. Soiled Stools
  5. Vomiting 

Ferrous Sulphate Formula

Conclusion

An iron salt with the chemical formula FeSO4 is ferrous sulphate. Ferrous sulphate is one of the many variations of the element iron. In its natural state, the solid substance resembles small crystals. Iron sulphate is frequently referred to as "green vitriol" because of the typical color of the crystals, which are yellow, brown, or bluish-green. Ferric or ferrous forms of iron are found in the majority of iron supplements. This depends on the chemical makeup of the iron atoms. Iron in ferrous forms is absorbed by the body more readily than iron in ferric forms. As a result, doctors usually think that iron supplements in ferrous forms, including ferrous sulphate, are the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits can ferrous metals offer?

It still has high tensile strength while being lightweight. High electrical current conductivity (i.e., copper), corrosion resistance (i.e., zinc), and tight tolerance to magnetic force are only a few advantages of this metal. These metals are transformed into either final products or intermediate metals.

What distinguishes ferrous iron from ferric iron?

Ferric denotes the loss of three electrons from the iron atom to produce Fe+3 and two electrons from the iron atom to form Fe+2.

What advantages does ferrous sulfate have?

The muscle cells' ability to store oxygen is aided by myoglobin. The body needs the mineral ferrous sulphate. Anemia of iron deficiency, which is a shortfall of red blood cells brought on by too little iron in the body, is treated with ferrous sulphate. Other applications for ferrous sulphate exist outside of those included in this medication reference.

Which kind of iron is most easily absorbed?

Because heme iron is simpler to ingest, it serves as a significant dietary supply of iron for both those with and without hemochromatosis. Heme iron is often more readily absorbed than non-heme iron.

Why is iron referred to as ferrous?

"Ferrous" often denotes "containing iron." The word is derived from the Latin word ferrum, which means "iron". Steel, pig iron (with a low carbon content), and iron alloys with other metals (like stainless steel) are examples of ferrous metals.

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