Ferrisulfaatti

Ferrisulfaatti is the Italian term for salts of iron(II) sulfate, the most common being ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) and its hydrates, such as iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate FeSO4·7H2O. In solid form these compounds are pale green to white crystalline substances; in water they produce pale green to blue-green solutions. The iron is in the +2 oxidation state and is easily oxidized to Fe3+ in air, often forming basic ferric salts and sulfuric acid upon hydrolysis.

Production and occurrence tend to involve reacting iron or iron scrap with sulfuric acid, followed by crystallization of the ferrous sulfate hydrate. The heptahydrate form is the form most commonly encountered commercially and is widely used in medicine and agriculture.

Applications are diverse. Ferrous sulfate serves as a dietary supplement to treat iron deficiency and is used to fortify certain foods and animal feeds. It also functions as a micronutrient in agriculture, helping to correct iron deficiency in crops. In chemistry and industry, it acts as a reducing agent and a reagent for qualitative analysis, and it is employed in some textile and paper processes as a mordant or intermediate. In water treatment, ferrous salts can participate in redox reactions and precipitation schemes to remove contaminants.

Safety considerations include potential GI irritation and toxicity in case of overdose. Ferrous sulfate can stain skin and fabrics and should be handled with care, away from oxidizers and incompatible materials. Appropriate storage and labeling are advised, and use in medical contexts should follow medical guidance. See also ferric sulfate and iron(II) salts for related compounds.