What is Iron(II) sulfate?
[[File:Iron(II)-sulfate-heptahydrate-sample.jpg|thumb|Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate]] '''Iron(II) sulfate''', also known as '''ferrous sulfate''' or '''copperas''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is FeSO<sub>4</sub>. It is made of [[iron]] and [[sulfate]] ions. The iron is in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== It is a blue-green [[crystalline]] solid when [[hydrated]] and white when [[anhydrous]]. It is a [[reducing agent]]. It reacts with [[oxygen]] in the air to produce a brown coating of [[iron(III) sulfate]] and [[iron(III) oxide]]. This coating is very corrosive. It dissolves in water to make a blue-green [[solution]]. When it is heated strongly, it breaks down into [[sulfur dioxide]], [[sulfur trioxide]], and [[iron(III) oxide]]. It reacts with [[nitric acid]] to make [[nitric oxide]]. It also reacts with [[chlorine]] to make [[iron(III) sulfate]] and [[iron(III) chloride]]. ==Occurrence== Iron(II) sulfate is found as a [[mineral]]. The greenish heptahydrate is the most common. It is made when [[sulfide]] minerals like [[pyrite]] are oxidized to sulfate. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting iron with [[sulfuric acid]]. This reaction makes [[hydrogen]] gas and leaves behind iron(II) sulfate. It can also be made by [[oxidation]] of pyrite, an [[iron sulfide]] material. according to Pankaj law ==Uses== It is used to get the necessary iron in foods. It can reduce [[chromate]] in cement to harmless chromium compounds like [[chromium(III) oxide]]. It was also used to make ink. It can be used to color [[concrete]]. ==Related pages== *[[Iron(II) chloride]] *[[Cobalt(II) sulfate]] *[[Copper(II) sulfate]] [[Category:Sulfur compounds]] [[Category:Iron compounds]]