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General Science • ChemistryMedium

Which of the following compounds is commonly known as 'white vitriol'?

A. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate✓ Correct Answer
B. Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
C. Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate
D. Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate

💡 Solution & Explanation

Zinc sulfate heptahydrate, chemically represented as ZnSO4.7H2O, is widely known as white vitriol due to its appearance as white crystals and its historical classification among sulfate minerals called vitriols. In contrast, copper sulfate pentahydrate is known as blue vitriol, and iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate is called green vitriol. Vitriol minerals were historically named by alchemists based on their glass-like appearance and color.

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