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Iron(II) Phosphate Formula Mass: Calculation and Key Facts

Iron(II) phosphate, also known as ferrous phosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Fe₃(PO₄)₂. Understanding its formula mass is essential for chemical calculations and industrial applications.

Calculating the Formula Mass of Iron(II) Phosphate
The formula mass is the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in the compound. Here’s the step-by-step calculation:

1. Iron (Fe):
– Atomic mass ≈ 55.85 g/mol
– Number of atoms in Fe₃(PO₄)₂ = 3
– Total mass contribution = 3 × 55.85 ≈ 167.55 g/mol

2. Phosphorus (P):
– Atomic mass ≈ 30.97 g/mol
– Number of atoms in Fe₃(PO₄)₂ = 2
– Total mass contribution = 2 × 30.97 ≈ 61.94 g/mol

3. Oxygen (O):
– Atomic mass ≈ 16.00 g/mol
– Number of atoms in Fe₃(PO₄)₂ = 8 (since (PO₄)₂ contains 4 × 2 = 8 oxygen atoms)
– Total mass contribution = 8 × 16.00 ≈ 128.00 g/mol

Total Formula Mass = 167.55 (Fe) + 61.94 (P) + 128.00 (O) ≈ 357.49 g/mol

Key Applications of Iron(II) Phosphate
– Used in fertilizers to supply iron and phosphorus to plants.
– Acts as a precursor in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries.
– Functions as a corrosion inhibitor in some industrial processes.

Why Formula Mass Matters
Knowing the formula mass helps in:
✔ Preparing accurate chemical solutions
✔ Determining reaction stoichiometry
✔ Industrial formulation of iron-based compounds

For precise chemical applications, always verify atomic weights from the latest IUPAC data.

By understanding the iron(II) phosphate formula mass, chemists and engineers can optimize its use in agriculture, energy storage, and material science.