Iron(II) sulfate

Iron(II) sulfate is an ionic compound with formula FeSO₄, composed of iron(II) cations and sulfate anions. Its hydrated forms commonly appear as pale green crystals.

Iron(II) ion: The Fe²⁺ cation, an iron atom that has lost two electrons. Fe²⁺ is the positive ion paired with sulfate in this salt.
Iron redox chemistry: Chemical reactions in which iron changes oxidation state by transferring electrons. Iron(II) can lose an electron and become iron(III), changing the salt’s chemistry.
Iron supplement: A preparation containing iron used to prevent or treat iron deficiency. Iron(II) sulfate is a widely used oral source of absorbable iron.
Iron(III) sulfate: An iron salt composed of Fe³⁺ cations and sulfate anions, with formula Fe₂(SO₄)₃. Its iron is in the +3 state rather than the +2 state found here.
Sulfate: The SO₄²⁻ polyatomic anion, with sulfur bonded to four oxygen atoms. Sulfate supplies the negative ion that balances Fe²⁺ in the formula.
Oxidation: A chemical process in which a substance loses electrons or increases its oxidation state. Air can oxidize dissolved Fe²⁺ toward Fe³⁺, especially under suitable conditions.
Chlorosis: Yellowing of plant leaves caused by insufficient chlorophyll, often associated with nutrient deficiency. Iron(II) sulfate can supply iron to plants affected by iron-deficiency chlorosis.
Iron(II) chloride: An ionic iron salt with formula FeCl₂, composed of Fe²⁺ and chloride ions. It shares iron’s +2 state but pairs it with chloride instead of sulfate.
Oxidation state: A formal bookkeeping value describing an atom’s electron balance in a compound. Iron’s +2 oxidation state distinguishes this salt from iron(III) sulfate.
Hydration reaction: A chemical reaction in which water molecules become incorporated into a substance. Crystallization from water produces hydrated iron(II) sulfate forms.

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