Ferric sulfate

Synonyms

Coquimbite mineral; Diiron trisulfate; Ferric persulfate; Ferric sesquisulfate; Ferric tersulfate; Iron persulfate; Iron sesquisulfate; Iron sulfate (2:3); Iron sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3); Iron tersulfate; Iron(3+) sulfate; Iron(3+) sulfate, (2:3); Iron(III) sulfate; Sulfuric acid, iron(3+) salt (3:2); [ChemIDplus]

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Greyish-white solid, slightly soluble in water; Very hygroscopic; Commercial product is yellow and contains about 20% water; [Merck Index] Off-white or yellow odorless powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used to make iron salts and pigments, as a coagulant in water purification and sewage treatment, in etching aluminum, in pickling stainless steel and copper, as a mordant in textile dyeing and calico printing, in soil conditioners, as a polymerization catalyst, in the coal conversion process (desulfurization), in the ferric salt leaching process, as a disinfectant, and as a hemostatic agent for endodontic surgery; [HSDB]

Comments

A skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant; Overexposure may cause liver damage; [Merck Index] A skin, eye, and throat irritant; [HSDB] An irritant; [MSDSonline] See "Iron salts, soluble."

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

1 mg/m3, as Fe (soluble iron salts)

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Aluminum Producing
• Farming (Pesticides)
• Metal Preparation and Pouring
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Steel Producing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides