iron sulfate
C1Technical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A chemical compound formed from iron and sulfuric acid, typically referring to ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄), used in water treatment, agriculture, and as a dietary supplement.
1. (Chemistry) Any salt of sulfuric acid in which the cation is iron, most commonly ferrous (Fe²⁺) sulfate or ferric (Fe³⁺) sulfate. 2. (Agriculture/Horticulture) A soil amendment or moss killer. 3. (Industry) A reagent in chemical manufacturing and water purification.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'ferrous sulfate,' though technically 'iron sulfate' can refer to both ferrous and ferric variants. Context usually specifies which.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK prefers 'sulphate'; US uses 'sulfate' exclusively.
Connotations
None. Purely technical term.
Frequency
Equal frequency in relevant technical/scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Apply/Add/Mix] + iron sulfate + [to/in] + object.Iron sulfate + [is/acts as] + [a reagent/supplement/coagulant].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In the supply chain for agricultural chemicals or water treatment products.
Academic
In chemistry, environmental science, agriculture, and pharmacology papers.
Everyday
Rare. Possibly when discussing garden moss control or nutritional supplements.
Technical
Standard term in chemical formulations, industrial processes, lab manuals, and material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The iron sulphate solution was prepared.
- An iron-sulphate-based treatment.
American English
- The iron sulfate concentration was measured.
- An iron-sulfate-rich ore.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The gardener used iron sulfate to kill the moss.
- This supplement contains iron sulfate.
- Iron sulfate is commonly employed in water treatment as a coagulant.
- Farmers may apply iron sulfate to correct chlorosis in crops.
- The oxidation state of the iron in iron sulfate determines its chemical reactivity and colour.
- The crystallisation of iron sulfate heptahydrate is an exothermic process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Iron' (the metal) + 'Sulfate' (like in Epsom salts). It's the iron version of a common salt.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often framed as a 'supplement' (for plants or animals) or a 'purifier' (for water).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Прямой перевод 'железный сульфат' корректен, но более специфично 'сульфат железа(II)' (феррум сульфат).
- Не путать с 'сульфитом' (sulfite) или 'сульфидом' (sulfide).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'iron sulphate' in US contexts.
- Confusing 'sulfate' with 'sulfide' (e.g., iron sulfide is a different compound).
- Using 'iron sulfate' generically when 'ferrous sulfate' is meant.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary use of iron sulfate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, but 'iron sulfate' can technically refer to salts with iron in different oxidation states, while 'ferrous sulfate' specifically means iron(II) sulfate (FeSO₄).
In concentrated form, it can be an irritant and is harmful if ingested in large quantities. Always follow safety data sheet (SDS) instructions.
It is available from chemical suppliers, garden centres (as moss killer), and sometimes pharmacies (as a nutritional supplement).
The UK spelling is 'iron sulphate', while the US spelling is 'iron sulfate'. The chemical is the same.