Iron(III) sulfate

Chembox new
Name = Iron(III) sulfate
ImageFile =
OtherNames = ferric sulphate
Section1 = Chembox Identifiers
CASNo = 10028-22-5
Section2 = Chembox Properties
Formula = Fe₂(SO₄)₃; Fe₂(SO₄)₃·5H₂O;
MolarMass = 399.87 g/mol (anhydrous)
MolarMass = 489.96 g/mol (pentahydrate)
Appearance = white crystals
Solvent = other solvents
SolubleOther = Soluble
MeltingPt = 480°C
BoilingPt = N/A
Density =

Iron(III) sulfate, is the compund of Iron and sulfate (made of sulfur and oxygen atoms). The compound is different from the more common Iron(II) sulfate in that the ratio of sulfate ions to iron ions is larger.

Usually yellow, it is a rhombic crystalline salt and soluble in water at room temperature. It is used in dyeing as a mordant, and as a coagulant for industrial wastes. It is also used in pigments, and in pickling baths for aluminum and steel. [ [http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-ferricsu.html ferric sulfate] . The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Retrieved November, 2007.] Medically it is used as an astringent and styptic. [ [http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?ferric+sulfate Ferric sulfate] . Online medical dictionary. Retrieved November, 2007]

Ferric sulfate is produced on a large scale by reacting sulfuric acid with a hot solution of ferrous sulfate, using an oxidizing agent (such as nitric acid or hydrogen peroxide). [ [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-3562/iron#93315.hook Iron compounds] . Encyclopædia Britannica Article. Retrieved November, 2007]

In sewage plants it is used to assist in settling minute particles of untreated sewage in tank water. [Spencer Hunt. [http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/science/stories/2008/01/08/sci_BattelleAMD.ART_ART_01-08-08_B6_AP8V6FO.html?sid=101 Taming toxic waters] . THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH.]

Mikasaite is the name of mineralogical form of iron(III) sulfate. This anhydrous form occurs very rarely and is connected with coal fires. The hydrates are more common, with coquimbite (nonahydrate) as probably the most often met among them. Paracoquimbite is the other, rarely met natural nonahydrate. Kornelite (heptahydrate) and quenstedtite (decahydrate) are rarely found. Lausenite (hexa- or pentahydrate) is a doubtful species. All the mentioned natural hydrates are unstable compounds connected with Fe-bearing primary minerals (mainly pyrite and marcasite) oxidation in ore beds. In the solutions of the ore beds oxidation zones the iron(III) sulfate is also an important oxidative agent.

References

External links

* [http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/f1358.htm Material Safety Data Sheet]