Ferric sulfate

Ferric sulfate (CAS 10028-22-5), also supplied as ferric sulfate anhydrous, is an iron-based inorganic salt used industrially as a coagulant, oxidizing agent, and catalyst precursor across water treatment, mining, and chemical processing sectors. Its ability to precipitate dissolved contaminants and facilitate metal leaching drives demand across multiple process industries. In municipal and industrial water treatment, it functions as a primary coagulant to remove suspended solids.

The compound is highly effective at removing phosphates and heavy metals from effluent streams. Hydrometallurgical operations use it to oxidize sulfide ores during heap leaching, particularly in copper and gold recovery processes. Textile and leather processors apply it as a mordant and fixative to bind dyes to fiber substrates, improving color fastness and consistency. This ensures high-quality results in large-scale manufacturing environments.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an astringent and hemostatic agent in topical formulations. It also serves as a catalyst precursor in select organic synthesis routes for specialized chemical production. Ferric sulfate is available as a granular solid, powder, or concentrated aqueous solution. Standard technical and industrial grades are the most common supply forms for bulk industrial procurement and logistics.

Solution concentrations typically range from 40–50% by weight for water treatment applications. Purity specifications vary by end use, with higher-purity grades available for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical applications.