512-668-9918Ferrous Sulfate Overview: Properties, Applications, Safety & Sourcing Guide
Ferrous sulfate, commonly known as iron(II) sulfate, is a pale green crystalline compound with the chemical formula FeSO₄ that serves as one of the most important iron sources across multiple industries. This versatile inorganic salt has established itself as an essential material in healthcare, agriculture, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing applications worldwide.
Whether you're working in pharmaceutical formulations, treating iron deficiency in crops, or conducting analytical chemistry research, understanding ferrous sulfate's properties and proper handling requirements is crucial for achieving optimal results while maintaining safety standards.
This detailed guide provides comprehensive information about ferrous sulfate, covering its fundamental characteristics, practical applications across various sectors, safety protocols, and sourcing considerations to help you make informed decisions for your specific requirements.
Properties of Ferrous Sulfate
The unique physical and chemical properties of ferrous sulfate make it particularly valuable for applications requiring a reliable iron source. However, these same characteristics also demand careful attention to storage conditions and handling procedures to prevent oxidation and maintain product integrity.
Key Facts About Ferrous Sulfate
- Compound Name: Ferrous sulfate
- Synonyms: Iron(II) sulfate, Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, Green vitriol, Copperas, Iron vitriol, UN 3077
- Chemical formula: FeSO₄ (anhydrous), FeSO₄·7H₂O (heptahydrate)
- CAS Numbers: 7720-78-7 (anhydrous), 7782-63-0 (heptahydrate)
- Molar Mass: 151.91 g/mol (anhydrous), 278.01 g/mol (heptahydrate)
- Appearance: Pale green to blue-green crystalline solid with no distinctive odor
Density Characteristics
Ferrous sulfate demonstrates significantly different density values depending on its hydration state. The anhydrous form exhibits a density of approximately 3.77 g/cm³, while the more commonly encountered heptahydrate form shows a density of about 1.89 g/cm³ at 20°C. This density variation affects handling procedures, storage calculations, and processing equipment selection in industrial applications.
Thermal Properties
The thermal behavior of ferrous sulfate varies considerably between its anhydrous and hydrated forms. While anhydrous ferrous sulfate decomposes at approximately 480°C without a distinct melting point, the heptahydrate form begins losing water molecules around 64°C and continues dehydration through several stages. Since ferrous sulfate decomposes before reaching a true boiling point, thermal processing applications must carefully control temperature ranges to prevent unwanted decomposition reactions.
Ferrous sulfate is widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and industrial manufacturing. Companies and facilities across the United States that need reliable, high-quality ferrous sulfate for production, testing, or formulation work can contact Lab Alley at 512-668-9918 to choose the grade and packaging size suited to their requirements.
Solubility Characteristics
Water solubility represents one of ferrous sulfate's most valuable properties, with the heptahydrate form dissolving readily at approximately 35 g/100 mL at 20°C. This excellent water solubility makes ferrous sulfate particularly useful for aqueous solutions, irrigation applications, and pharmaceutical formulations. Conversely, it shows limited solubility in alcohols and most organic solvents, which can be advantageous for selective extraction and purification processes.
pH Behaviour
Aqueous solutions of ferrous sulfate typically exhibit slightly acidic to neutral pH values, generally ranging from 3 to 6 for heptahydrate solutions. This acidic tendency results from the hydrolysis of iron ions in solution and affects compatibility with other chemicals in formulated products. The pH characteristics also influence bioavailability in nutritional applications and effectiveness in agricultural treatments.
Reactivity and Stability Considerations
Ferrous sulfate's most significant reactivity concern involves its tendency to oxidize readily when exposed to air and moisture, converting to ferric sulfate and losing its distinctive pale green color. This oxidation process can significantly impact product performance, particularly in applications where the ferrous (Fe²⁺) oxidation state is specifically required.
Additionally, ferrous sulfate reacts exothermically with strong oxidizing agents and can be corrosive to metals under certain conditions. While generally stable when stored properly in sealed containers away from oxidizers, prolonged exposure to atmospheric conditions will inevitably lead to oxidation and quality degradation.
Ferrous sulfate from Lab Alley is offered in multiple grades, with packaging that ranges from 500 g, 2.5 kg, and 10 kg containers, to 50lb and 25 kg for laboratory and industrial use.
Lab Alley
Staff Writer
Related Articles
Uses & Benefits
The widespread use of ferrous sulfate across diverse industries stems from its reliable iron content, excellent water solubility, and cost-effective production methods. Despite requiring careful storage to prevent oxidation, it continues to serve critical roles in numerous applications where iron supplementation or chemical reactivity is essential.
Industrial Manufacturing
Industrial facilities utilize ferrous sulfate primarily in water treatment operations, where it functions as both a coagulant and flocculant for removing suspended particles and contaminants. The compound also serves as a key raw material in pigment production, particularly for manufacturing iron oxide colorants and specialty dyes that require precise iron content specifications.
Furthermore, ferrous sulfate acts as a precursor in synthesizing other iron compounds and chemicals, providing manufacturers with a reliable starting material for producing specialized iron-based products across various industrial sectors.
Laboratory and Research
ApplicationsResearch laboratories depend on ferrous sulfate as a standard analytical reagent, particularly in redox titrations where its well-defined iron content provides accurate results. It serves as an excellent iron source for biochemical assays and research studies investigating iron metabolism, enzyme activities, and cellular processes.
Scientists also utilize ferrous sulfate in educational demonstrations and analytical procedures where controlled iron availability is essential for reproducible experimental outcomes.
Healthcare and Nutrition
The pharmaceutical industry extensively uses ferrous sulfate in dietary supplement formulations for treating and preventing iron deficiency anemia. Its high bioavailability and established safety profile make it one of the most prescribed forms of iron supplementation worldwide, though proper dosing guidance remains essential due to potential toxicity at excessive levels.
Medical applications also include specialized formulations for patients with specific iron absorption requirements or those unable to maintain adequate iron levels through dietary sources alone.
Agricultural Applications
Agricultural sectors rely heavily on ferrous sulfate as an iron fertilizer for correcting iron deficiencies in crops and ornamental plants. Iron chlorosis, particularly common in alkaline soils, responds effectively to ferrous sulfate treatments applied through soil incorporation or foliar spraying methods.
Home gardeners also utilize ferrous sulfate products for lawn care and soil conditioning, where it helps maintain healthy plant growth and prevents the yellowing associated with iron deficiency in grass and garden plants.
Specialized Industrial Uses
Wastewater treatment facilities employ ferrous sulfate for phosphorus removal processes, where it forms insoluble precipitates that can be easily separated from treated water. This application helps municipalities meet environmental discharge requirements while maintaining cost-effective treatment operations.
Additionally, specialized applications include use in concrete production as an admixture and in certain metallurgical processes where controlled iron introduction is required.
Fight Your Kidney Stone with This Natural Product Hack
Fight kidney stones. Discover how citric acid naturally prevents stone formation.
Is Lactic Acid Bad? A Look at the Health Science
Is lactic acid bad for you? Debunking myths and revealing its vital role in your body & beyond.
Hospitality Without Hitchhikers: Boric Acid’s Role in Bed Bug Prevention
Protect your hospitality business. Boric acid is key to preventing bed bug infestations.
Harnessing Silica Sulfuric Acid to Enhance Concrete Durability
Enhance concrete longevity. Silica sulfuric acid improves strength and chemical resistance.
Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Household Products
Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3
Food Additives
As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4
Fuel
More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.
Safety Information
Working with ferrous sulfate requires understanding its potential health effects and implementing appropriate safety measures to protect personnel and prevent environmental contamination. While generally considered safer than many industrial chemicals, proper handling procedures remain essential for maintaining workplace safety.
Health Hazards and Precautions
Ferrous sulfate can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system upon direct contact or inhalation of dust particles. Ingestion of large quantities may result in gastrointestinal upset, and chronic exposure to high concentrations could lead to iron accumulation. The compound's corrosive properties in concentrated solutions or dust form require particular attention during handling and processing operations.
Unlike many organic solvents, ferrous sulfate is not flammable under normal conditions. However, it can react exothermically with strong oxidizing agents, potentially creating hazardous situations if incompatible materials are mixed inadvertently.
Personal Protection Requirements
Personnel working with ferrous sulfate should wear appropriate gloves resistant to inorganic salts, safety goggles to protect against dust or solution splashes, and work clothing to minimize skin contact. Adequate ventilation helps prevent dust inhalation, particularly when handling powdered forms or during transfer operations.
Respiratory protection may be necessary when working with large quantities or in confined spaces, though proper ventilation typically provides sufficient protection for routine laboratory and industrial applications.
Proper Storage Methods
Maintaining ferrous sulfate quality requires storage in sealed containers at temperatures between 2°C and 25°C in dry, well-ventilated areas. Since oxidation represents the primary degradation pathway, minimizing exposure to air and moisture preserves product integrity and prevents the formation of ferric compounds that could affect performance.
Keep ferrous sulfate away from strong oxidizing agents, alkali materials, and incompatible substances that could trigger unwanted chemical reactions. Regular inspection of storage containers helps identify potential problems before they affect product quality or safety.
Emergency Response Procedures
Ferrous sulfate spills require prompt containment using suitable absorbent materials while ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent dust accumulation. All contaminated materials must be collected and disposed of according to local hazardous waste regulations to prevent environmental release.
Never allow ferrous sulfate solutions to enter drainage systems or natural waterways, as iron compounds can affect aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Emergency washing facilities should be readily available in areas where ferrous sulfate is handled regularly.
How to Safely Dispose of Sulfuric Acid
Sulfuric acid is one of the most common acidifying reagents and sulfur sources, essential across multiple industries. At the same time, it is also a toxic and highly hazardous chemical reagent, requiring safe handling and disposal by trained personnel.
Acetone Safety: Proper Storage and Disposal Methods
Acetone is a staple chemical solvent in most laboratories. It is also perhaps one of the most recognizable chemicals to the layperson, best known as the pungent solvent comprising nail polish remover.
Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Household Products
Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3
Food Additives
As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4
Fuel
More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.
Grades and Pack Sizes
Ferrous sulfate is available through chemical suppliers in various grades and container sizes to accommodate different application requirements and usage volumes. Selection of appropriate grades depends on purity specifications, intended use, and regulatory compliance needs.
Standard Grade Classifications
- Technical Grade: Cost-effective option suitable for industrial water treatment, agriculture, and manufacturing applications where ultra-high purity specifications are not critical.
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Grade: Meets pharmaceutical standards for medicinal and nutritional supplement applications, with strict limits on heavy metals and other impurities.
- ACS (American Chemical Society) Grade: Conforms to American Chemical Society specifications for analytical and research applications requiring consistent purity levels and comprehensive analysis certificates.
- Food Grade: Specialized grade meeting food additive regulations for applications in food processing and nutritional products, with enhanced purity requirements and contamination controls.
Container Sizes and Bulk Options
- Small quantities: Laboratory containers from 500 grams to 1kg for research, educational, and small-scale applications.
- Medium quantities: Multi-kilogram containers ranging from 2.5kg to 10kg, including an intermediate 5kg size for pilot-scale operations and medium-volume laboratory use.
- Bulk options: Large containers, including 50lb and 25kg sizes, for high-volume applications, commercial operations, and manufacturing processes requiring consistent supply chains.
For reliable ferrous sulfate in various grades and packaging configurations, Lab Alley offers laboratory-tested products with complete documentation, including certificates of analysis and safety data sheets. Our technical support team can assist with grade selection and packaging decisions to meet your specific application requirements while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Contact our experienced sales team for current pricing, availability information, and technical specifications to fulfill your ferrous sulfate requirements.