Ferrous Sulfate

Products

Ferrous sulfate is contained in medicines for iron substitution, for example, in tablets. It is also an ingredient in tonics (e.g., Tonicum FH).

Structure and properties

Iron(II) sulfate (FeSO4, Mr = 151.9 g/mol) is the ferrous salt of sulfuric acid and is readily soluble in water. It dissolves even better in hot water. Various hydrates exist. The pharmacopoeia distinguishes:

  • Dried iron(II) sulfate PhEur, the hydrate water of which has been partially removed: FeSO4 – xH2O
  • Iron(II) sulfate sesquihydrate PH: FeSO4 – 1.5 H2O
  • Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate PhEur: FeSO4 – 7 H2O

The dried ferrous sulfate is grayish white. The heptahydrate is present as a light green crystalline powder or bluish green crystals. When exposed to air, the substances oxidize and turn brown. The sesquihydrate is a white, crystalline powder. Ferrous sulfate can be prepared with sulfuric acid, for example:

  • Fe (iron elemental) + H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) FeSO4 (ferrous sulfate) + H2 (hydrogen)

See also under redox reactions.

Effects

Iron serves as a drug to substitute the missing or insufficient trace element in the body. It is found, among other things, in heme, which is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells and is also present in myoglobin. As a component of many enzymes, for example cytochromes, it also plays an important role in metabolism.

Indications