Iron (iii) chloride anhydrous
| Formula | Cl3Fe |
| Chemical formula | FeCl3 |
| Molar mass | 162.2 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 anhydrous is an inorganic compound consisting of iron and chloride ions, widely used in water treatment, chemical synthesis, and as a catalyst in organic reactions.
🏭⚗️ Production
It is produced industrially by the direct reaction of iron with dry chlorine gas at high temperatures. In laboratory settings, it can be prepared by passing chlorine gas over heated iron powder or by dehydrating the hexahydrate form with thionyl chloride or other drying agents under controlled conditions.
🔬 Properties
Iron(III) chloride anhydrous appears as dark brown or black crystalline solid with a metallic sheen. It is highly hygroscopic and reacts violently with water, releasing heat and hydrogen chloride fumes. Its chemical formula is FeCl₃, with a molar mass of about 162.2 g/mol. It is soluble in many polar organic solvents and forms acidic solutions.
🧪 Applications
It is used extensively in wastewater treatment as a coagulant, in etching of copper for printed circuit boards, and in organic synthesis as a Lewis acid catalyst. It also finds use in pigment and dye manufacturing.
⚠️ Safety
Iron(III) chloride anhydrous is corrosive and should be handled with care. It causes severe irritation or burns upon contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Inhalation of its fumes can be harmful. It must be stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and incompatible substances like bases and oxidizers.
