• 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.
Is Ferric Sulfate The Same As Polymeric Ferric Sulfate
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
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.
• 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.

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