Characteristic

Iron(III) sulfate (or ferric sulfate), is the chemical compound with the formula Fe₂(SO₄)₃. Usually yellow, it is a salt and soluble in water. A variety of hydrates are also known. 

Chemical formula:Fe₂(SO₄)₃

Molar mass:399.88 g/mol (anhydrous);489.96 g/mol (pentahydrate);562.00 g/mol (nonahydrate)

Appearance:grayish-white crystals

Density:3.097 g/cm3 (anhydrous);1.898 g/cm3 (pentahydrate)

Melting point:480 °C (896 °F; 753 K) (anhydrous);175 °C (347 °F) (nonahydrate)

Solubility in water:slightly soluble

Solubility:sparingly soluble in alcohol;negligible in acetone, ethyl acetate;insoluble in sulfuric acid, ammonia

Refractive index (nD):1.814 (anhydrous);1.552 (nonahydrate)

Application

Iron(III) sulfate is also used in pigments, pickling baths for aluminum and steel. It acts as a mordant in dyeing, as a coagulant for industrial wastes. In the medical field, it is used as an astringent and styptic. It is involved in the preparation of aromatic esters from the corresponding acids and alcohols. Further, it is employed in the oxidation of pyrite.