Understanding the Formula Mass of Iron(II) Phosphate: A Comprehensive Guide

Iron(II) phosphate, also known as ferrous phosphate, is an important compound in various applications, including agriculture, food fortification, and as a pigment in ceramics. To understand its significance, it’s crucial to delve into its chemical formula and formula mass.

What is Iron(II) Phosphate?

Iron(II) phosphate has the chemical formula Fe3(PO4)2. It consists of iron (Fe) in a +2 oxidation state and phosphate (PO4) groups. This compound is typically represented in its various hydrated forms, such as Fe3(PO4)2 · xH2O, where “x” denotes the number of water molecules associated with the iron(II) phosphate.

Formula Mass Calculation

The formula mass (also known as molar mass) of a compound is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in its formula. To compute the formula mass of iron(II) phosphate, we need to know the atomic masses of its constituent elements:

– Iron (Fe): ~55.85 g/mol
– Phosphorus (P): ~30.97 g/mol
– Oxygen (O): ~16.00 g/mol

Using the formula Fe3(PO4)2, we can calculate the formula mass as follows:

1. Calculate the mass contribution from Iron:
– Iron has a total of 3 atoms in the formula.
– \( 3 \times 55.85 \, \text{g/mol} = 167.55 \, \text{g/mol} \)

2. Calculate the mass contribution from Phosphate:
– There are 2 phosphate groups in the formula, and each phosphate group contains one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms.
– For phosphorus: \( 2 \times 30.97 \, \text{g/mol} = 61.94 \, \text{g/mol} \)
– For oxygen: \( 8 \, \text{(4 oxygen atoms per phosphate group) \times 2 phosphate groups} \times 16.00 \, \text{g/mol} = 128.00 \, \text{g/mol} \)

3. Totaling the contributions:
– \( 167.55 \, \text{g/mol} \, (\text{from Fe}) + 61.94 \, \text{g/mol} \, (\text{from P}) + 128.00 \, \text{g/mol} \, (\text{from O}) = 357.49 \, \text{g/mol} \)

Thus, the formula mass of iron(II) phosphate, Fe3(PO4)2, is approximately 357.49 g/mol.

Applications of Iron(II) Phosphate

1. Agriculture: Iron(II) phosphate is often used as a fertilizer, providing essential nutrients to plants. It helps in combating iron deficiency in soils, which can adversely affect plant growth.

2. Food Fortification: Due to its iron content, it is used to fortify food products. Iron(II) phosphate is considered safe and can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

3. Ceramics and Pigments: The compound is also utilized in the production of ceramics and various pigments due to its stability and color properties.

Conclusion

Understanding the formula mass of iron(II) phosphate is crucial for its various applications across industries. With its formula mass calculated to be approximately 357.49 g/mol, this compound plays a vital role in agriculture, food enrichment, and manufacturing. Whether you are a student, researcher, or industry professional, knowing the significance and properties of iron(II) phosphate can enhance your comprehension of its applications and benefits.

By being aware of its chemical formula and mass, you can better integrate iron(II) phosphate into your projects or studies effectively. For further inquiries or specific applications of this compound, feel free to explore more resources or consult experts in the field.