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What is Ferrous Sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate is known as the iron sulfate and it is defined as the inorganic salt that is generally needed for obtaining iron compounds. It was used in the middle ages and its chemical formula could be given as FeSO4.

Ferrous Sulfate Structure

It is available in nature as hydrated salts and had an octahedral crystalline structure. Its chemical structure could be given as below.

Ferrous Sulfate Structure

Ferrous Sulfate Chemical Formula

It is largely available in nature, especially inside minerals. It is generally obtained by reacting elemental iron and sulfuric acid together to yield hydrogen gas and ferrous sulfate compound as shown in the reaction below.

Fe + H2SO4 → FeSO4 + H2

When we look at the physical properties of the compound when it is available in blue-green color as a crystalline solid. The melting point of the compound is calculated as 680 degree Celsius and it generally decomposes over 300 degree Celsius with a density of 1.898 g mL-1. Most of its salts are soluble in the water.

Ferrous sulfate salts could gain or lose water molecules based on the medium. It is used in medicine and taken as a good source of iron for humans. It is used for treating anemia as well to required for manufacturing wool, fabrics, dyes etc. further, it can be used to purify wastes as well.

If we are talking about the health effects then it may cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract as it is highly toxic in nature when inhaled in the concentrated or pure form. Sometimes, it causes diarrhea or even death by damaging blood vessels.

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