Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate

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Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate, also known as iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate, is a pale green crystalline solid containing seven molecules of water of crystallization (FeSO₄·7H₂O). It is a widely used inorganic iron compound characterized by its high iron content (approximately 20% Fe) and good solubility in water. This hydrated salt is commonly used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and various industrial processes. The heptahydrate form is preferred for many applications due to its stability, ease of handling, and cost-effectiveness.

Description

Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate

Primary Uses 

  1. Agriculture and Fertilizers 
    • Used as an iron micronutrient in soil and foliar fertilizers to correct iron deficiency chlorosis in plants. 
    • Enhances plant growth, chlorophyll production, and crop yields especially in alkaline or calcareous soils. 
    • Employed in the preparation of iron chelates and micronutrient blends for controlled release. 
  2. Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Supplements 
    • Used as an iron source in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia. 
    • Formulated into oral liquid syrups, tablets, and capsules for human and veterinary use. 
    • Favored for its bioavailability and relatively low toxicity compared to other iron salts. 
  3. Water and Wastewater Treatment 
    • Acts as a coagulant and flocculant for removal of suspended solids, phosphates, and heavy metals. 
    • Used for odor control and reduction of hydrogen sulfide in sewage treatment plants. 
    • Helps precipitate arsenic and other contaminants, improving water quality. 
  4. Industrial Applications 
    • Used in the manufacture of pigments, dyes, inks, and iron-based chemicals. 
    • Acts as a reducing agent in various chemical syntheses and metal surface treatments. 
    • Used in textile dyeing and leather tanning processes. 

 

Secondary Uses 

  1. Food Industry 
    • Employed as a food additive for iron fortification in cereals, flour, and animal feed under regulated conditions. 
    • Used as a colorant or stabilizer in some food processing applications. 
  2. Cosmetics and Personal Care 
    • Occasionally used as a pigment or iron source in cosmetic formulations. 
  3. Laboratory and Analytical Uses 
    • Used as a reagent in chemical analysis for iron determination and other assays. 
    • Acts as a reducing agent in various laboratory procedures. 
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes 
    • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate 
    • Common/Trade Name: Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate 
    • CAS Number: 7782-63-0 
    • HS Code: 2833.29.00 
    • Molecular Formula: FeSO₄·7H₂O 
    • Synonyms: Green vitriol, Copperas, Iron(II) sulfate 7-hydrate 
  2. Physical & Chemical Properties 
    • Physical State: Pale green crystalline solid 
    • Odor: Slight sulfurous odor 
    • Solubility: Soluble in water (~48 g/100 mL at 20°C), insoluble in alcohol 
    • Melting Point: Decomposes above 64°C (loss of crystallization water) 
    • pH (aqueous solution): Acidic, approximately 3.5 to 4.5 
    • Stability: Stable under dry conditions; gradually oxidizes to ferric sulfate upon exposure to air and moisture 
  3. Safety & Hazard Attributes 
    • Hazard Class (GHS): Skin and eye irritant 
    • Toxicity: Moderate toxicity; ingestion in high doses can cause iron poisoning 
    • Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL; dust control recommended 
    • NFPA Ratings: Health – 2; Flammability – 0; Reactivity – 1 
  4. Storage & Handling Attributes 
    • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and strong oxidizers 
    • Container Type: Plastic drums, bags, or bulk containers with moisture-proof lining 
    • Shelf Life: 1–2 years if stored properly 
    • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; prevent contact with skin and eyes 
  5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes 
    • FDA Status: Approved as a food additive and nutritional supplement under regulated conditions 
    • REACH Registration: Registered for industrial and pharmaceutical use in EU 
    • Usage Restrictions: Maximum allowable concentrations regulated for food and pharma use 
  6. Environmental & Health Impact 
    • Biodegradability: Inorganic compound; not biodegradable but environmentally stable 
    • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms; avoid release to water bodies 
    • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly 
    • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): 
    • Protective gloves (nitrile or latex) 
    • Safety goggles or face shield 
    • Dust mask or respirator in dusty environments 
    • Protective clothing or lab coat 
  2. Handling Guidelines: 
    • Use in well-ventilated areas or under local exhaust ventilation 
    • Avoid inhalation of dust and prolonged skin contact 
    • Prevent dust accumulation and spills 
  3. Storage Measures: 
    • Keep containers tightly sealed and dry 
    • Store away from moisture, acids, and strong oxidizers 
    • Protect from heat and direct sunlight 
  4. Hygiene Practices: 
    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling 
    • Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling 
    • Clean work surfaces and equipment regularly 

 

First Aid Measures

  1. Inhalation: 
    • Move to fresh air immediately 
    • Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or distress occurs 
  2. Skin Contact: 
    • Wash thoroughly with soap and water 
    • Remove contaminated clothing 
    • Seek medical advice if irritation develops 
  3. Eye Contact: 
    • Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes 
    • Seek medical attention if irritation persists 
  4. Ingestion: 
    • Rinse mouth with water 
    • Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel 
    • Seek immediate medical attention in case of large ingestion 

 

Firefighting Measures

  1. Fire Hazards: 
    • Non-flammable, but may release sulfur oxides and iron oxides upon decomposition at high temperatures 
  2. Extinguishing Media: 
    • Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide (CO₂) 
  3. Special Precautions: 
    • Firefighters should wear protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus if exposed to fumes 
  4. Decomposition Products: 
    • Sulfur oxides (SOx), iron oxides, and other toxic gases under fire conditions