Application
Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate, with the chemical formula FeSO4·7H2O, is produced through the reaction of sulfuric acid with iron, resulting in pale, blueish-green crystals or granules. Its primary purpose encompasses a variety of industrial and agricultural applications due to its properties as a weak reducing agent. It serves as a precursor for creating other iron compounds and is employed in manufacturing inks, such as iron gall ink. In the agricultural sector, it helps prevent chlorosis in plants caused by iron deficiency and acts as a fertilizer ingredient. Additionally, in water treatment processes, it's used to eliminate phosphate from water, while in cement production, it aids in reducing chromate. Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate is also utilized in the gold refining process, functioning as a precipitant for metallic gold, and finds use in woodwork to impart a silvery hue to maple wood. Despite its benefits, care must be taken in its use due to its environmental impact, making it crucial to implement measures to prevent its spread in the environment.