What is the Difference Between Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate

Iron is a strong, durable, and malleable metal that is useful in various industries. Carbonyl iron and ferrous sulfate are two compounds containing iron.

What is the difference between carbonyl iron and ferrous sulfate? Carbonyl iron is a form of elemental iron, whereas ferrous sulfate is a salt containing iron and sulfate ions.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Carbonyl Iron  
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Ferrous Sulfate
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Carbonyl Iron, Ferrous Sulfate, Green Vitriol

What is Carbonyl Iron

Carbonyl iron is a pure form of iron. When iron reacts with carbon monoxide under high pressure, a volatile liquid named pentacarbonyl is formed. This compound is then decomposed under controlled conditions, usually by heating or passing through a catalyst. Carbon monoxide is released during decomposition, finally giving pure iron powder. This is the production process of carbonyl iron.

Carbonyl iron is of high purity. These iron particles produced are spherical in shape, which improves their flowability and packing density. Carbonyl iron also has ferromagnetic properties. When properly treated or alloyed, carbonyl iron can exhibit good corrosion resistance.

There are several applications of carbonyl iron. It is used to produce magnetic cores for transformers, indicators, and other electronic components, as well as magnetic tapes and disks to store data. It is also useful in stealth technology to reduce the radar signature of military aircraft and vehicles. This is due to the property of carbonyl iron to absorb electromagnetic radiation.

What is Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate (green vitriol) is a hydrated salt of ferrous iron and sulfuric acid. Its chemical formula is FeSO₄·7H₂O. Ferrous sulfate appears in blue and green color and exists as a crystalline solid. It is soluble in water. It could be toxic to our body if it is ingested in large amounts. Ferrous sulfate is stable under normal conditions, but it can oxidize to ferric sulfate in the presence of oxygen and moisture.

There are many applications of ferrous sulfate. In water treatment, it is used as a coagulant to remove impurities in water. Ferrous sulfate is used in the production of iron oxide pigments. It also acts as a mordant in textile dyeing. In addition, ferrous sulfate acts as a fertilizer to increase the iron content in plants. In addition, it’s useful in medications and iron supplements.

Similarities Between Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate

1. Both compounds contain iron.
2. Carbonyl iron and ferrous sulfate help to treat iron deficiency anemia.
3. Both compounds are absorbed by the body through the gastrointestinal tract.

Difference Between Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate

Definition

• Carbonyl iron is a pure form of elemental iron, while ferrous sulfate is a salt having iron and sulfate ions.

Absorption Rate

• Carbonyl iron has a higher absorption rate than ferrous sulfate.

Particle Size

• Carbonyl iron has a smaller particle size, while ferrous sulfate has a larger particle size.

Solubility

• Carbonyl iron is more soluble than ferrous sulfate.

Conclusion

Carbonyl iron and ferrous sulfate are two compounds containing iron. The main difference between carbonyl iron and ferrous sulfate is that carbonyl iron is in pure elemental form while ferrous sulfate is a salt. Both have some similarities as well as differences, and they are useful in various industries and day-to-day applications.

FAQ: Carbonyl Iron and Ferrous Sulfate

1. Which form of iron is best absorbed?

Heme iron is the best-absorbed form of iron. It’s found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and seafood. Vitamin C can help increase its absorption.

2. What is the difference between ferrous fumarate and carbonyl iron?

Ferrous fumarate is a salt of fumaric acid and ferrous iron, while carbonyl iron is a pure form of iron produced by the reduction of iron carbonyl. This is the basic difference between ferrous fumarate and carbonyl iron.

3. Is ferrous sulfate better than iron?

Ferrous sulfate is a form of iron. It is more easily absorbed by the body. This is why some people assume it’s better than iron. Ferrous sulfate is often used as a supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia.

4. Which iron is best for anemia?

Ferrous sulfate is often considered the best form of iron for treating anemia due to its high absorption rate and effectiveness. It’s usually recommended because it helps the body make more red blood cells.

5. What are the benefits of carbonyl iron?

Carbonyl iron has several benefits. It has high purity and iron content, which makes it great for applications that require pure iron. Its fine particle size promotes rapid and efficient oxidation. This leads to faster and more complete reactions. Additionally, the particles are highly uniform in size and shape.

Reference:

1. “Carbonyl Iron Tablet – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
2. “Iron(II) sulfate.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fe(H2O)6SO4” By Smokefoot – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia