Uses of Iron III Sulfate
- Iron III Sulfate is mainly used as a coagulant in water purification and sewage treatment.
- The solution of ferric sulfate is used as a mordant in dyeing and calico printing.
- It is also used in the preparation of iron salts and pigments, in the ferric salt leaching process, in soil conditioners, and in the coal conversion process.
- It acts as a disinfectant, polymerization catalyst, and hemostatic agent for endodontic surgery.
- It is also used in etching aluminium and in pickling stainless steel and copper.
- It is also used as a solids removal agent and oxidizing agent.
Iron III Sulfate Formula
Iron(III) Sulfate is an inorganic compound that is also termed ferric sulfate. Its chemical formula is Fe2(SO4)3. In iron III sulfate, each iron atom has ionic bonds with the sulfate. A variety of hydrates of iron III sulfate are known, such as nonahydrate, anhydrous monohydrate, etc. In fact, they are the most commonly encountered form of “Iron III Sulfate”. It is slightly soluble in water and very hygroscopic. It is sparingly soluble in alcohol and negligibly soluble in acetone and ethyl acetate. It is not soluble in sulfuric acid and ammonia. As iron III sulfate is insoluble in sulfuric acid, it is used for producing iron III sulfate. It emits toxic fumes of iron and sulfur oxide when heated to decomposition. It is a threat to the environment and immediate steps should be taken to control its spread in the environment. It is used as a coagulant in water purification, as an astringent, and as a soil conditioner. It is corrosive to copper, copper alloys, mild steel, and galvanized steel.