FeCO4

FeCO4 refers to iron(II) carbonate, a chemical compound with the formula FeCO3. It is an inorganic salt and is typically found as a pale green solid. Iron(II) carbonate is sparingly soluble in water, but it readily dissolves in acids. It is a diamagnetic compound.

This compound occurs naturally as the mineral siderite. Siderite is an important ore of iron. It is often found in sedimentary rocks, particularly in coal seams. The presence of siderite can indicate reducing conditions in the environment where the rock was formed.

Iron(II) carbonate can be synthesized in the laboratory by reacting iron(II) salts with carbonate sources. For example, reacting iron(II) sulfate with sodium carbonate will precipitate iron(II) carbonate. The reaction is as follows: FeSO4 + Na2CO3 -> FeCO3 + Na2SO4.

In industrial applications, iron(II) carbonate is primarily used as a source of iron, particularly in the production of pig iron. It is also used in some dietary supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia, although other iron compounds are more commonly employed due to better bioavailability or fewer side effects. Iron(II) carbonate can decompose upon heating to form iron(II) oxide and carbon dioxide.