What is ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate is a common compound. It is a blue-green monoclinic crystal or granule with no odor. It has reducing properties and produces toxic gases when decomposed under high heat. It has a wide range of industrial uses and is often used to make iron salts, iron oxide pigments, etc. It is a common reducing agent and is also very effective in treating industrial wastewater.

Chemical properties

It has restorative properties. It decomposes under high heat and releases toxic gases. In the laboratory, it can be obtained by reacting copper sulfate solution with iron. Will weather in dry air. It is easily oxidized in humid air to form brown-yellow alkaline ferric sulfate which is insoluble in water. 10% aqueous solution is acidic to litmus (Ph value is about 3.7). When heated to 70-73°C, it loses 3 molecules of water, and when heated to 80-123°C, it loses 6 molecules of water, and when heated to above 156°C, it turns into alkaline ferric sulfate.

Function and use

Ferrous sulfate can be used to make iron salts, iron oxide pigments, mordants, water purifiers, preservatives, disinfectants, etc.

1. Water treatment

Ferrous sulfate is used for water flocculation purification and for removing phosphates from urban and industrial sewage to prevent eutrophication of water bodies.

2. Reducing agent

Large amounts of ferrous sulfate are used as a reducing agent, primarily to reduce chromates in cement. 3. Medicinal ferrous sulfate is used to treat iron deficiency anemia; it is also used to add iron to food. Long-term excessive use may cause side effects such as abdominal pain and nausea. In medicine, it can also be used as a local astringent and blood tonic, and can be used for chronic blood loss caused by uterine fibroids.