Iron(II) sulfate facts for kids

Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate, a common form of this compound.

Iron(II) sulfate, also called ferrous sulfate or copperas, is a common chemical compound. Its chemical formula is FeSO₄. This means it is made from iron and sulfate parts. The iron in this compound has a special electrical charge, known as a +2 oxidation state.

What is Iron(II) Sulfate Like?

When it has water in it (which is called hydrated), iron(II) sulfate looks like a blue-green crystal. If all the water is removed (making it anhydrous), it turns white.

It is a reducing agent, which means it can cause other chemicals to gain electrons. When it touches oxygen in the air, it slowly changes. It forms a brown layer of iron(III) sulfate and iron(III) oxide. This brown layer can cause things to rust or break down.

Iron(II) sulfate dissolves in water, creating a blue-green liquid. If you heat it very strongly, it breaks apart into different gases like sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, leaving behind iron(III) oxide. It also reacts with nitric acid to make nitric oxide. When it mixes with chlorine, it forms iron(III) sulfate and iron(III) chloride.

Where is Iron(II) Sulfate Found?

Iron(II) sulfate can be found naturally as a mineral on Earth. The most common natural form is the greenish type that contains water, called heptahydrate. It forms when minerals like pyrite, which are sulfide minerals, react with oxygen and water. This process changes the sulfides into sulfates.

How is Iron(II) Sulfate Made?

One way to make iron(II) sulfate is by mixing iron metal with sulfuric acid. This reaction creates hydrogen gas and leaves behind the iron(II) sulfate. It can also be made by a process called oxidation of pyrite, which is a material made of iron and sulfur.

What is Iron(II) Sulfate Used For?

Iron(II) sulfate has several important uses:

• It is used in some foods to add the iron that our bodies need.
• It helps to make chromate in cement less harmful. It changes it into safer chromium compounds like chromium(III) oxide.
• In the past, it was used to make ink.
• It can also be used to add color to concrete.

Related Compounds

• Iron(II) chloride
• Cobalt(II) sulfate
• Copper(II) sulfate

Images for kids

• 

  Anhydrous iron(II) sulfate, without any water.

• 

  Iron(II) sulfate outside a titanium dioxide factory in Kaanaa, Pori, Finland.

See also

In Spanish: Sulfato de hierro(II) para niños