Properties and Structure of Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula FeSO4. It is a whitecrystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. The iron (II) sulfate molecule consists of one iron atom in the +2 oxidation state, bonded to four sulfate ions. Iron(II) ions are surrounded by four sulfate groups in a tetrahedral molecular geometry. The bond angle between sulfate groups is approximately 109.5 degrees.

Iron (II) sulfate crystallizes in the monohydrate form, with the chemical formula FeSO4.7H2O. Each iron atom is coordinated with water molecules along with sulfate groups. The monohydrate salt is preferred for industrial applications and storage due to its higher solubility compared to the anhydrous form. It decomposes above 278°C to form ferrous oxide and sulfur trioxide.

Uses and Applications of Iron (II) Sulfate

Iron (II) sulfate finds wide application as a source of iron for fortifying foods and treating iron deficiency. It is commonly used to enrich cereals, flours and other grain products. Many countries have mandatory regulations requiring partial substitution of refined flours with iron-fortified varieties. This helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia in vulnerable groups. Ferrous Sulfate is also used in pharmaceutical preparations for iron supplementation.

Another important use of iron (II) sulfate is as a coagulant in water treatment processes. It is added to raw water to reduce turbidity by coagulating suspended solid particles like clays and silts. The sulfate ions form insoluble precipitates with metals like aluminum and heavy coagulation flocs with other particles. This allows for easier settling of contaminants during clarification or filtration. Many municipal water treatment facilities utilize iron (II) sulfate for potable water production.

Ferrous sulfate also acts as an effective reducing agent and finds uses in chemical industries. It is used to dechlorinate bleached pulp during paper recycling and manufacturing processes. Other reducing applications include the production of sulfate paper, extracting gold from its ores, and in analytical chemistry laboratories.

Iron (II) sulfate is sometimes used as a nutrient supplement in agriculture to correct iron deficiencies in soils and crops. It provides readily available iron ions to plants. However, its usage is limited due to high solubility issues. The monohydrate salt is also valued as an important pigment in the production of several kinds of enamels and ceramics where a greenish color is desired.
Get more insights on Ferrous Sulfate