Leave Your Message

Is Ferric Sulfate The Same As Polymeric Ferric Sulfate

2025-09-25

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:

pic1.png

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.

pic3.png

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.

pic4.png

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.

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.

Environmental advantages: no aluminum, chlorine and heavy metals, non-toxic and safe; low dosage (save 20%-50% cost compared with traditional agents).

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.