iron salt
chemical compound
Quick Summary
Iron salts are chemical compounds containing iron. The most common oxidation states for iron are +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric).1
- Ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) is a bluish-green salt, often found in a hydrated form (FeSO4·7H2O). It is used in making inks, pigments, and other iron salts, and medically to treat iron deficiency anemia.2
- Ferric sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3) is a white salt used in making iron alums, as a mordant in dyeing, and as a coagulant in water treatment.3
Iron oxides, such as hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4), are also important iron compounds. Iron is a vital element in the human body, primarily in hemoglobin, and various iron compounds have medical applications.45
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
