General Description
A yellow crystalline solid or a grayish-white powder. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. FERRIC SULFATE(10028-22-5) is used for water purification, and as a soil conditioner.
Reactivity Profile
FERRIC SULFATE is acidic. Corrosive to copper, copper alloys, mild steel, and galvanized steel [USCG, 1999].
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water. Hygroscopic in air. Forms acidic aqueous solutions.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of dust irritates nose and throat. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Dust irritates eyes and can irritate skin on prolonged contact.
Potential Exposure
This material is used in pigments,
textile dyeing, water treatment; and metal pickling.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the
skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If
this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin
rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including
resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart
action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical atten tion. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do
not make an unconscious person vomit. The symptoms of
metal fume fever may be delayed for 4 12 hours following
exposure: it may last less than 36 hours.
Shipping
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances,
solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous haz ardous material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Hydrolyzed slowly in aqueous solution.
Incompatible with magnesium, aluminum. Corrosive to
copper and its alloys, mild and galvanized steel. Light
sensitive.
Chemical Properties
Ferric Sulfate is a grayish-white powder or
yellow lumpy crystals.
Chemical Properties
Yellow crystals or grayish-white powder.(1) slightly soluble in water, (2) very soluble
in water. Keep well closed and protected from light.
Noncombustible.
Waste Disposal
Treat with soda ash or dilute
NaOH. Separate any precipitate and landfill. Flush solution
to sewer.
Physical properties
The anhydrous salt constitutes grayish-white rhombic crystals; hygroscopic; density 3.10 g/cm3; slightly soluble in cold water; decomposes in hot water. The nonahydrate is a yellow hexagonal crystalline substance; refractive index 1.54; density 2.10 g/cm3; hardness 2.5 Mohs; decomposes at 400°C; very soluble in water.
Definition
Ferrous sulfate,also known as ferrisulpas, green copperas, green vitriol, iron sulfate, and melanterite, is composed of blue green monoclinic crystals. It is soluble in water and is used as a mordant for dyeing wool in the textile industry. Ferrous sulfate is also used as a disinfectant and in the manufacture of ink.
Preparation
Iron(III) sulfate may be prepared by oxidation of iron(II) sulfate by hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid or any other suitable oxidizing agent. The reaction is carried out in sulfuric acid. Balanced molecular equations for the reactions with hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid are as follows:
2FeSO4 + H2SO4 + H2O2 → Fe2(SO4)3 + 2H2O
6FeSO4 + 3H2SO4 + 2HNO3 → 3Fe2(SO4)3 + 2NO + 4H2O
Even in the absence of an oxidizing agent, concentrated sulfuric acid alone can1 convert iron(II) sulfate to iron(III) sulfate: 2FeSO4 + 2H2SO4→ Fe2(SO4)3 + SO2 + 2H2O It also may be prepared by treating iron(III) oxide with sulfuric acid:
Fe2O3 + 3H2SO4 → Fe2(SO4)3 + 3H2O
.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
Agricultural Uses
Herbicide, Molluscicide, Agricultural product
constituent: Ferric sulfate is used on forage alfalfa, almonds,
nurseries and structural pest control. This material is also
used in pigments, textile dyeing, water treatment, and
metal pickling
Trade name
GREENMASTER AUTUMN®;
MAXICROP MOSS KILLER®; VITAX MICRO
GRAN®; VITAX TURF TONIC®
storage
Color Code—Green: General storage may be used.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trainedon its proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from light,moisture, aluminum, magnesium, copper and its alloys,zinc, galvanized and mild steels.
Purification Methods
Dissolve the sulfate in the minimum volume of dilute aqueousH2SO4 and allow it to evaporate at room temperature until yellowish-white crystals start to form. Do not concentrate by boiling off the H2O as basic salts will be formed. Various hydrates are formed; the common ones are the dodeca and nona hydrates which are violet in colour. The anhydrous salt is colourless and is very hygroscopic, but it dissolves in H2O slowly unless ferrous sulfate is added. [Gmelin’s, Iron (8th edn) pp 439-462 1932.]
