Iron sulfate

Iron(II) sulfate or ferrous sulfate denotes a range of salts with the formula FeSO4·xH2O. The hydrated form is used medically to treat iron deficiency, and also for industrial applications. All the iron(II) sulfates dissolve in water to give the same aquo complex [Fe(H2O)6]2+. Industrially, ferrous sulfate is mainly used as a precursor to other iron compounds. It is a reducing agent, and as such is useful for the reduction of chromate in cement to less toxic Cr(III) compounds. Together with other iron compounds, ferrous sulfate is used to fortify foods and to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous sulfate was used in the manufacture of inks, most notably iron gall ink. Iron (II) sulfate is used as a soil amendment for lowering the pH of a high alkaline soil so that plants can access the soil’s nutrients. Ferrous sulfate is sometimes added to the cooling water flowing through the brass tubes of turbine condensers to form a corrosion-resistant protective coating.