What is Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl₃)?

Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl₃), also known as Ferric Chloride, is a highly soluble and acidic compound widely used in industrial, chemical, and laboratory applications. It appears as a dark brown to black crystalline solid and is highly hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air. When dissolved in water, it forms a strongly acidic solution.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

• Chemical Formula: FeCl₃
• CAS Number: 7705-08-0
• Molecular Weight: 162.2 g/mol
• Density: 2.90 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 306°C
• Boiling Point: 316°C
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol
• Appearance: Dark brown to black crystalline solid
• pH: Strongly acidic when dissolved in water

Applications of Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl₃)

1. Water and Wastewater Treatment

• Used as a coagulant and flocculant to remove impurities.
• Helps in phosphate removal to prevent eutrophication.

2. Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Etching

• Acts as an etching agent for copper-based PCBs.
• Commonly used in electronics manufacturing.

3. Catalyst in Organic Synthesis

• Used in chlorination reactions and Friedel-Crafts acylation.
• Plays a role in oxidation and polymerization processes.

4. Pigments and Dyes

• Used in textile and ink production to enhance color fastness.

5. Metallurgy and Iron Surface Treatment

• Applied as a corrosion inhibitor and in metal pickling.
• Used for iron ore beneficiation and metal recovery.

6. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industry

• Used in laboratories and industrial synthesis of iron-based compounds.
• Involved in medicine production for iron supplementation.

7. Water Desalination and Oil Refining

• Used in desalination plants for scale control.
• Employed in petrochemical refining processes.

Pricing of Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl₃)

• Lab-scale orders: $50 – $300 per kg
• Industrial-scale orders: $500 – $5,000 per ton
• Custom bulk orders: Pricing varies based on purity and order volume

Factors Influencing Pricing

• Purity level (98% – 99.9%)
• Form (anhydrous, hexahydrate, or solution)
• Bulk order discounts
• Transportation and handling costs
• Market demand and supply

Conclusion

Iron (III) Chloride (FeCl₃) is a versatile chemical widely used in water treatment, electronics, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and organic synthesis. Its ability to act as a strong oxidizing agent, coagulant, and etchant makes it valuable in numerous industrial and scientific applications.