Iron (iii) chloride hexahydrate
| Formula | Cl3Fe*6 H2O |
| Chemical formula | FeCl3*6 H2O |
| Molar mass | 270.33 g/mol |
| Bulk density | ~ 600 – 1200 kg/m3 |
| CAS number | 10025-77-1 |
| HS Code | 28273300 |
| EC number | 231-729-4 |
| Storage | Store at 15 to 25 °C |
| SDS | available |
| RTECS | NO5425000 |
| R phrase | R 22-38-41 |
| S phrase | S 26-39 |
| Odour | of chlorine |
| Form | lumps |
| Color | yellow – brown |
| p H | ~1.8 (10g/l 25°C) |
| Solubility in water | 920g/l (20°C) |
| Solubility in ethanol | freely soluble |
| Melting point | 37 °C |
| Assay | ≥ | 99 | % |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| In water insoluble matter | ≤ | 0.05 | % |
| Free acid | ≤ | 0.2 | % |
| Free chlorine | conforms | ||
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Iron (ii) | Conforms | ||
| Total nitrogen | ≤ | 0.005 | % |
| Sulfate | ≤ | 0.01 | % |
| Substances not precipitated by ammonia | ≤ | 0.1 | % |
Iron (III) chloride hexahydrate is an orange-brown crystalline inorganic compound commonly used as a reagent in laboratories and in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. It serves as a source of ferric ions and is a strong Lewis acid.
🏭⚗️ Production
It is produced by dissolving iron in hydrochloric acid or by the direct chlorination of iron, followed by crystallization to obtain the hexahydrate form. The compound is purified to meet laboratory and pharmaceutical standards.
🔬 Properties
The chemical formula is FeCl₃·6H₂O with a molar mass of approximately 270.30 g/mol. It appears as orange-brown crystals or powder that is highly soluble in water, producing acidic solutions. It hydrolyzes in water, forming acidic ferric solutions and can hydrolyze further depending on pH.
🧪 Applications
Iron (III) chloride hexahydrate is widely used in laboratories as a catalyst and reagent for chlorination, oxidation, and as a coagulant in water treatment. In pharmaceuticals, it is used in synthesis and analytical chemistry for iron quantification and as an intermediate in drug manufacturing.
⚠️ Safety
This compound is corrosive and may cause severe skin and eye irritation or burns. Inhalation of dust or vapors can irritate the respiratory tract. Proper personal protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and lab coats should be worn during handling. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from incompatible substances such as strong bases and reducing agents.
