Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate
[CAS# 7782-63-0]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal sulfides and sulfates
• Name: Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate
• Synonyms: Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate
• Molecular Formula: FeSO₄.7(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 278.01
• CAS Registry Number: 7782-63-0
• EC Number: 616-510-7
• SMILES: O.O.O.O.O.O.O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Fe+2]

Properties

• Density: 1.89
• Melting point: 64 °C
• Water solubility: 25.6 g/100 mL (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411

• Transport Information: UN 9125

Discovery and Applications

Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, with the chemical formula FeSO4·7H2O, was discovered and recognized in the early stages of chemical exploration. It is a hydrate of ferrous sulfate, consisting of iron ions (Fe²?), sulfate ions (SO4²?), and seven water molecules (H2O). This hydrated state makes it highly soluble in water, and its unique light green crystals are characteristic monoclinic crystals.

In water purification and treatment, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is used as a coagulant. It helps to precipitate suspended particles and reduce turbidity in water, making the water clearer and more suitable for drinking and industrial use. In addition, it helps control algae growth in reservoirs and water bodies. Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is used in the production of iron oxide pigments and ink formulations. Its reaction with other chemicals produces iron oxides of various colors, which are widely used in paints, ceramics, and printing inks.

In agriculture, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is used as a soil conditioner to correct iron deficiency in crops. It is suitable for alkaline soils with limited iron supply and can improve chlorophyll production and overall crop health. Livestock and poultry farmers use ferrous sulfate heptahydrate as a nutritional supplement in animal feed. It helps prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia in animals, ensuring healthy growth and reproductive performance.

Medically, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is a widely used iron supplement for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in humans. It is available in oral dosage forms such as tablets and liquid suspensions to provide essential iron for red blood cell production and oxygen transport in the body. The compound is also used to fortify infant formula, breakfast cereals, and dietary supplements to increase the iron content. This ensures that those who are unable to consume enough iron through diet alone consume adequate amounts of iron. Bonding effect.

References

2003. Treatment of cotton textile wastewater using lime and ferrous sulfate. Water Research, 37(9).
DOI: 10.1016/s0043-1354(02)00481-5

1994. The effects of iron supplementation during pregnancy, given by traditional birth attendants, on the prevalence of anaemia and malaria. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 88(5).
DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(94)90176-7

1964. USE OF DESFERRIOXAMINE IN A CASE OF ACUTE FERROUS SULFATE POISONING. IMJ. Illinois medical journal, 126(5).
URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14231059