Ferric chloride
Iron III Chloride
An iron salt used as a coagulant in water treatment, forming an acidic brown solution. Widely used in drinking-water and wastewater treatment, copper etching and pigment production.
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Product summary
An iron salt used as a coagulant in water treatment, forming an acidic brown solution. Widely used in drinking-water and wastewater treatment, copper etching and pigment production.
- FeCl₃
- Molecular formula
- 162.20 g/mol
- Molecular weight
- 7705-08-0
- CAS No.
- Liquid , Colored
- Form
- IBC , TANKER , JAR
- Packaging
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Production methods
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01
Direct Chlorination
Produced by passing chlorine gas over iron powder or scrap iron at around 350°C (Fe + 3/2 Cl₂ → FeCl₃).
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02
Oxidation of Iron(II) Chloride
An iron(II) chloride (FeCl₂) solution is oxidized with chlorine gas to yield iron(III) chloride; this is the typical route for the aqueous solution form used in wastewater treatment plants.
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03
Dissolution in Hydrochloric Acid and Oxidation
Iron ore or scrap iron is dissolved in hydrochloric acid, then oxidized to the iron(III) state with an oxidizing agent such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide.
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Function & properties
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Strong coagulant
Rapidly aggregates suspended solids and colloids in water; the basis of its widespread use in drinking-water and wastewater treatment.
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Acidic and corrosive
Undergoes hydrolysis when dissolved in water, forming an acidic solution; plastic or stainless-steel containers are required for storage.
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Exothermic dissolution
Releases heat as it dissolves in water.
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Copper etchant
Used to selectively etch the copper layer on printed circuit boards.
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Lewis acid
The anhydrous form is a strong Lewis acid and serves as a catalyst in organic synthesis.
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Variable color
The color of its crystals ranges from yellow to brown depending on viewing angle and concentration.
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Applications
- Drinking water and wastewater treatment
- Copper etching
- Iron oxide pigment production
- Textile mordant
- Sludge conditioning
- Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing
- Veterinary use (treating claw injuries)
- Energy storage systems
- Metal engraving and pattern etching
Full technical description
What is Iron III Chloride ?
Iron III Chloride, also known as Ferric Chloride, is used as a coagulating and flocculating agent in industrial water treatment and drinking water production. The color of Iron III Chloride crystals varies depending on the viewing angle. This chemical is produced by passing chlorine gas over iron powder at a temperature of 350°C. Due to its acidic properties, plastic or stainless steel tanks should be used for storage and handling. It is sold in 30-60 liter drums, IBC tanks, and tankers. When dissolved in water, Iron III Chloride undergoes hydrolysis and gives off exothermic heat. The resulting brown acidic and corrosive solution is used as a coagulating agent in wastewater treatment and drinking water production, and as an etchant for copper-based metals in printed circuit boards. Anhydrous Iron III Chloride is a strong Lewis acid and is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis.
Product Appearance : Liquid , Colored
Formula (Formula): FeCl3
Packaging : IBC , TANKER , JAR
Chemical name: Iron III Chloride
Where is it used?
Iron III Chloride is commonly used in drinking water and wastewater treatment, as well as in copper etching processes. It is also used in the production of iron oxide pigments and as a mordant in textile production. This product is utilized for sludge conditioning and in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Additionally, in veterinary medicine, it can be used to treat animal claw injuries resulting from bleeding. FeCl3 is also used in energy storage systems. Blade workers have historically used it as a pattern source for etching metals to reveal flaws or for layering.
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Technical details
- Molekül formülü
- FeCl₃
- Molekül ağırlığı
- 162.20 g/mol
- CAS No
- 7705-08-0
- Form
- Liquid , Colored
- Ambalaj
- IBC , TANKER , JAR
Frequently asked
Is Iron III Chloride the same as ferric chloride?
Yes. Ferric chloride is the common name for iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃).
Why is it used in water treatment?
It rapidly coagulates suspended solids and colloids in water, causing them to settle out and improving treatment efficiency.
Why must it be stored in plastic or stainless-steel containers?
Because it is an acidic, corrosive solution that would corrode ordinary steel; resistant materials are required for storage and handling.
How is it used in printed circuit board manufacturing?
It selectively etches away unwanted copper from the copper-clad surface during the etching process.
What is the difference between the anhydrous and aqueous forms?
Anhydrous FeCl₃ is a strong Lewis acid used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, while the aqueous solution form is used mainly in water treatment and coagulation applications.
Why does it heat up in contact with water?
It undergoes hydrolysis when dissolved in water; this reaction is exothermic and raises the solution’s temperature.
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- Molecular formulaFeCl₃
- Molecular weight162.20 g/mol
- CAS No.7705-08-0
- FormLiquid , Colored
- PackagingIBC , TANKER , JAR
