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Jai Ganesh

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Ferric Sulfate

Ferric Sulfate

Gist

Ferric sulfate is a yellowish-brown or grayish-white inorganic salt used primarily as a coagulant in water treatment, a pigment, and a hemostatic agent in dentistry. It is highly acidic, produced by oxidizing iron(II) sulfate with sulfuric acid. It acts as an astringent.

The main function of ferric sulfate is as a hemostatic agent in different medical practices. This hemostatic function is achieved when ferric sulfate is applied directly in the damaged tissue. Once applied, ferric sulfate forms ferric ion-protein complex which helps the sealing of the damaged vessels mechanically.

Summary

Iron(III) sulfate or ferric sulfate (British English: sulphate instead of sulfate) is a family of inorganic compounds with the formula Fe2(SO4)3(H2O)n. A variety of hydrates are known, including the most commonly encountered form of "ferric sulfate". Solutions are used in dyeing as a mordant and as a coagulant for industrial wastes. Solutions of ferric sulfate are also used in the processing of aluminum and steel.

Production

Ferric sulfate solutions are usually generated from iron wastes. The actual identity of the iron species is often vague, but many applications do not demand high-purity materials. It is produced on a large scale by treating sulfuric acid, a hot solution of ferrous sulfate, and an oxidizing agent. Typical oxidizing agents include chlorine, nitric acid, and hydrogen peroxide.

Details

Ferric sulfate has the molecular formula of Fe2SO4, and it is a dark brown or yellow chemical agent with acidic properties. It is produced by the reaction of sulfuric acid and an oxidizing agent. It is used in different fields such as dermatology, dentistry and it is thought to present hemostatic properties by interacting chemically with blood proteins. By the FDA, ferric sulfate is a direct food substance affirmed in the GRAS category (Generally Recognized As Safe).

Indication

Ferric sulfate was first used in dermatology as part of the Monsel's solution. This solution is an antihemorrhagic agent used in skin and mucosal biopsies. The use of ferric sulfate in dermatology is under review as ferric sulfate is corrosive and injurious and it can cause degenerative changes that are not observed with other alternatives like collagen.

Ferric sulfate is also used as a coagulative and hemostatic agent. It is a mechanic hemostatic agent used directly on the damaged tissue.

In dentistry, ferric sulfate is used as a pulpotomy medicament to control pulpal bleeding, as an antibacterial agent and as a hemostatic reagent for restorative dentistry, for postextraction hemorrhage and for periradicular and endodontic surgery.

Pharmacodynamics

The administration of ferric sulfate as a dermatologic agent has showed delayed reepithelialization and dyspigmentation. Some studies have reported the generation of inflammation in the sites of administration of ferric sulfate.

Mechanism of action

The main function of ferric sulfate is as a hemostatic agent in different medical practices. This hemostatic function is achieved when ferric sulfate is applied directly in the damaged tissue. Once applied, ferric sulfate forms ferric ion-protein complex which helps the sealing of the damaged vessels mechanically. The formation of agglutinated protein complexes produces the generation of occlusion in the capillary orifices. The formation of the ferric protein complex is thought to be due to a chemical reaction between the acidic form of ferric sulfate and the blood proteins.

Absorption

Pharmacokinetic studies related to the absorption of ferric sulfate have not been performed.

Volume of distribution

Pharmacokinetic studies related to the volume of distribution of ferric sulfate have not been performed.

Protein binding

Ferric sulfate presents very high protein binding properties, this property is thought to be due to its acidic profile.

Metabolism

Pharmacokinetic studies related to the metabolism of ferric sulfate have not been performed.

Additional Information

Ferric sulfate appears as a yellow crystalline solid or a grayish-white powder. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. It is used for water purification, and as a soil conditioner.

Iron(3+) sulfate is a compound of iron and sulfate in which the ratio of iron(3+) to sulfate ions is 3:2. It has a role as a catalyst, a mordant and an astringent. It is an iron molecular entity and a metal sulfate. It contains an iron(3+).

Ferric sulfate has the molecular formula of Fe2SO4, and it is a dark brown or yellow chemical agent with acidic properties. It is produced by the reaction of sulfuric acid and an oxidizing agent. It is used in different fields such as dermatology, dentistry and it is thought to present hemostatic properties by interacting chemically with blood proteins. By the FDA, ferric sulfate is a direct food substance affirmed in the GRAS category (Generally Recognized As Safe).

The main function of ferric sulfate is as a hemostatic agent in different medical practices. This hemostatic function is achieved when ferric sulfate is applied directly in the damaged tissue. Once applied, ferric sulfate forms ferric ion-protein complex which helps the sealing of the damaged vessels mechanically.

Iron(III) Sulfate is an inorganic compound that is also termed ferric sulfate. Its chemical formula is Fe2(SO4)3. In iron III sulfate, each iron atom has ionic bonds with the sulfate. A variety of hydrates of iron III sulfate are known, such as nonahydrate, anhydrous monohydrate, etc. In fact, they are the most commonly encountered form of "Iron III Sulfate". It is slightly soluble in water and very hygroscopic. It is sparingly soluble in alcohol and negligibly soluble in acetone and ethyl acetate. It is not soluble in sulfuric acid and ammonia. As iron III sulfate is insoluble in sulfuric acid, it is used for producing iron III sulfate. It emits toxic fumes of iron and sulfur oxide when heated to decomposition. It is a threat to the environment and immediate steps should be taken to control its spread in the environment. It is used as a coagulant in water purification, as an astringent, and as a soil conditioner. It is corrosive to copper, copper alloys, mild steel, and galvanized steel.

Uses of Iron III Sulfate

* Iron III Sulfate is mainly used as a coagulant in water purification and sewage treatment.
* The solution of ferric sulfate is used as a mordant in dyeing and calico printing.
* It is also used in the preparation of iron salts and pigments, in the ferric salt leaching process, in soil conditioners, and in the coal conversion process.
* It acts as a disinfectant, polymerization catalyst, and hemostatic agent for endodontic surgery.
* It is also used in etching aluminium and in pickling stainless steel and copper.
* It is also used as a solids removal agent and oxidizing agent.

Hazards

* Iron III sulfate is a threat to the environment and immediate steps should be taken to control its spread in the environment.
* Though Iron III Sulfate is a stable, not flammable compound, it emits toxic fumes of iron and sulfur oxide when heated to decomposition.
* Prolonged exposure to Iron III Sulfate is toxic to the lungs and mucous membranes and may cause damage to them.
* Contact with this causes skin irritation and may also cause an allergic skin reaction.
* Inhalation of its dust irritates the nose and throat, and its ingestion irritates the mouth and stomach.
* It is harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

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