Is ferric sulfate the same as polymeric ferric sulfate？
Release time: 2025-09-22
Ferric sulfate and polyferric sulfate are two different compounds, which are significantly different in chemical structure, physical properties and application fields. The specific comparison is as follows:
1. Chemical structure and composition
- Ferrous sulfate (chemical formula: Fe₂ (SO₄) ₃):
- It is a simple inorganic compound composed of iron ion (Fe³⁺) and sulfate ion (SO₄²⁻). It is usually found in the form of light green or light blue solid and is easily soluble in water.
- Ferric sulfate (chemical formula: [Fe₂ (OH)ₙ (SO₄)₃ ⁿ/₂]ₘ):
- It belongs to inorganic polymer, and is formed by hydroxyl bridging polymerization of multiple iron sulfate units to form a complex network structure. It appears as reddish brown liquid or light yellow powder.
2. Physical properties and solubility
- ferric sulfate ：
- Soluble in water to form a transparent solution; strong hygroscopicity, may deliquesce after prolonged storage.
- Ferric sulfate polymer:
- The solubility is low, so it needs to be prepared into a solution (usually 10%-30% concentration); the liquid product needs to be sealed to prevent volatilization, and the solid is easy to absorb moisture but does not deteriorate.
3. Functional and application differences
- ferric sulfate ：
- Mainly used for laboratory analysis reagents, catalysts, mordants or fertilizers.
- Strong corrosion, because of the large amount of free Fe³⁺, may cause damage to equipment.
- Mainly used for laboratory analysis reagents, catalysts, mordants or fertilizers.
- Ferric sulfate polymer:
- Efficient flocculant: hydrolyzes to produce polynuclear complex, and precipitates suspended matter quickly through adsorption and bridging. Suitable for:
- Drinking water purification (decontamination, decolorization, algae removal);
- Industrial wastewater treatment (dyeing, paper making, electroplating wastewater);
- The treatment of low temperature and turbid water has remarkable effect.
- Drinking water purification (decontamination, decolorization, algae removal);
- Environmental advantages: no aluminum, chlorine and heavy metals, non-toxic and safe; low dosage (save 20%-50% cost compared with traditional agents).
- Efficient flocculant: hydrolyzes to produce polynuclear complex, and precipitates suspended matter quickly through adsorption and bridging. Suitable for:
4. Summary of key differences
characteristic | ferric sulfate | Ferric sulfate polymer |
molecular structure | Simple inorganic salts | high molecular polymer |
solubility | High, soluble | Low, requires preparation of solution |
main application | Catalysts, mordants | Water treatment flocculant (high efficiency decontamination) |
corrosive characteristics | Strong (more free Fe³⁺) | Relatively weak (stable complexed iron ions) |
treatment efficiency | Not suitable for sewage coagulation | The sedimentation rate is fast and the alum is dense |
conclusion ：
The two are completely different. Ferrous sulfate is a basic chemical raw material, while polyferric sulfate is a highly efficient flocculant specially designed for water treatment, especially in purifying high-turbidity wastewater, low-temperature water bodies and removing heavy metals. In practical application, they should be selected according to requirements and cannot be replaced.
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