About Ferrous Sulfate Heptahydrate
Iron ii sulfate heptahydrate, also known as ferrous sulfate or ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, is a moderately water and acid soluble iron source. It has many industrial uses as well as some medical applications.
Formula: FeSO4*xH2O
In aqueous solution, it has a crystalline form that contains 7 molecules of water, which makes it blue-green. It is used as a reducing agent in a variety of chemical processes and as a mordant for wool dyeing.
It is a common additive to weed killers and wood preservatives as it acts as an inhibitor of the growth of chlorosis-causing bacteria. It is also a component in the preparation of leather dyes and writing inks.
Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate has been in use since ancient times, when it was known as copperas or green vitriol. It is a chemical compound that can be made in various forms, including the heptahydrate (x = 7), but most commonly it is the hydrated form.
The hydrated form is a highly stable complex that contains octahedral molecular geometry. It has a strong paramagnetic behavior and is readily dispersed in solutions of sulfates.
There are several ways to prepare the hydrated form, but most of them involve addition of metallic iron to a solution of copper(II) sulfate, followed by heating. This process results in a black goo that resembles the solid state of copper oxide, but it can be difficult to distinguish from the metal. In some cases, it is better to eliminate the air from the solution or add a small amount of acid before heating.