Difference between revisions of "Iron(III) sulfate"

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'''Iron(III) sulfate''' also known as '''ferric sulfate''', is the chemical compound with the formula Fe<sub>2</sub>(SO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>.
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'''Iron(III) sulfate''' also known as '''ferric sulfate''' or '''vitriol of Mars'''/'''vitriol martial''', is the chemical compound with the formula '''Fe<sub>2</sub>(SO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>3</sub>'''.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==

Revision as of 12:55, 22 October 2016

Iron(III) sulfate also known as ferric sulfate or vitriol of Mars/vitriol martial, is the chemical compound with the formula Fe2(SO4)3.

Properties

Chemical

Ferric sulfate is used in industry as a coagulant.

Physical

Ferric sulfate is a yellow, hygroscopic compound. It is soluble in water, poorly soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol or various acetates. It is insoluble in sulfuric acid. The anhydrous form melts at 480 °C.

Availability

Iron(III) sulfate is available from many chemical suppliers.

One such seller on Amazon sells 4.5 kg of ferric sulfate at 18.40 $.

Preparation

Iron(III) sulfate can be made by reacting sulfuric acid, with a hot solution of ferrous sulfate, and an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide.

2 FeSO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2 → Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2O

This method is similar to the one used for obtaining ferric chloride.

n.b. Hydrogen peroxide is also a reducing agent and will reduce Iron(III) to to Iron(II).

Projects

Handling

Safety

Ferric sulfate both solid and as solution is corrosive to tissue and metallic objects.

Storage

Ferric sulfate should be stored in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry place.

Disposal

Ferric sulfate can be neutralized with slaked lime.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads