Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate

Synonyms: Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate, Green vitriol, Copperas, Iron vitriol, FeSO4·7H2O, CAS 7782-63-0

Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is the most common hydrated form of iron(II) sulfate, a pale blue-green crystalline solid that has been known since antiquity as green vitriol. It occurs naturally as the mineral melanterite and is produced on a large scale as a by-product of titanium dioxide manufacturing and steel pickling. The heptahydrate is the stable form under ambient conditions, containing seven molecules of water of crystallization. Historically, it served as a source of iron for ink making, water purification, and as a mordant in dyeing, roles that still find modern relevance.

Chemically, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate consists of Fe2+ ions coordinated with sulfate and water molecules. The iron is in the +2 oxidation state, which is essential for its bioavailability and reactivity. Upon heating, it loses water stepwise, turning white as the heptahydrate converts to the monohydrate and then anhydrous form. In aqueous solution, it readily oxidizes to ferric sulfate, especially in the presence of air, which is why stabilizers or acidic conditions are often employed. Its reducing properties make it valuable in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is a first-line iron supplement for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia. It is also used in water treatment as a coagulant, in agriculture as a soil amendment for iron chlorosis, and in the laboratory as a reducing agent and precursor for other iron compounds. The heptahydrate is preferred for many applications due to its high solubility and cost-effectiveness compared to other iron salts.

Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate is typically standardized to ≥99.0% purity, with iron content between 20.0% and 20.5%. It is available in various grades, including pharmaceutical grade (USP/BP/EP), food grade (FCC), and technical grade. The pharmaceutical grade is subject to strict limits on heavy metals and microbial contamination, ensuring safety for oral consumption. Its widespread availability and well-characterized properties make it a cornerstone in iron supplementation and industrial processes.

Function

• Iron supplementation: Provides bioavailable iron for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
• Coagulant: Acts as a primary coagulant in water and wastewater treatment, removing phosphates and suspended solids.
• Reducing agent: Used in chemical synthesis and as a reducing agent in laboratory and industrial processes.
• Soil amendment: Corrects iron chlorosis in plants and improves soil conditions.
• Mordant: Fixes dyes in textile dyeing and printing.
• Nutritional fortification: Added to foods and feeds to enhance iron content.

Source & Standardization

• Source: Produced as a by-product of titanium dioxide production from ilmenite or as a primary product from steel pickling.
• Production: Crystallization from aqueous solutions, followed by drying and purification.
• Standardization: ≥99.0% purity, with iron content 20.0–20.5%.
• Forms: Pale blue-green crystals or powder.
• Applications: Pharmaceuticals, water treatment, agriculture, food fortification, chemical synthesis.

Specifications

Documentation & Supply

• Monthly capacity: 500 metric tons
• Lead time: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• Documentation: COA, MSDS, TDS available upon request
• Packaging: 25 kg net multi-wall paper bags with PE liner, or 1000 kg jumbo bags

Request For Quote

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