RautaIIsuoloja

RautaIIsuoloja is a term that refers to iron(II) salts in Finnish. These compounds contain iron in its +2 oxidation state, where iron has lost two electrons. Iron(II) salts are generally soluble in water, although some exceptions exist. They are typically characterized by their color, often pale green or blue, which can change upon oxidation to iron(III) salts. For instance, iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4), commonly known as ferrous sulfate, is a pale green crystalline solid that readily oxidizes in air to form reddish-brown iron(III) compounds.

Iron(II) salts play significant roles in various chemical and biological processes. In industry, iron(II) sulfate is used in water treatment to remove impurities and as a reducing agent. Biologically, iron is an essential trace element, and iron(II) is the form most readily absorbed by the human body, crucial for oxygen transport in hemoglobin. Deficiencies in iron can lead to anemia. Iron(II) compounds also find applications in the production of pigments and in laboratory settings as reagents. The reactivity of iron(II) salts stems from their tendency to be oxidized to the more stable iron(III) state.