Ferric chloride
[CAS# 7705-08-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Blood system medication >> Anti-anemia drug
• Name: Ferric chloride
• Synonyms: Iron(III) chloride anhydrous; Iron(III) chloride
• Molecular Formula: FeCl₃
• Molecular Weight: 162.20
• CAS Registry Number: 7705-08-0
• EC Number: 231-729-4
• SMILES: Cl[Fe](Cl)Cl

Properties

• Density: 2.9 g/mL (25 °C)
• Melting point: 304 °C
• Water solubility: 920 g/L (20 °C)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H290-H302-H314-H315-H318-H412
• Safety Statements: P234-P260-P264-P264+P265-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P301+P330+P331-P302+P352-P302+P361+P354-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P321-P330-P332+P317-P362+P364-P363-P390-P405-P406-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1	H314
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	2	H371
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

• Transport Information: UN 1773

Discovery and Applications

Ferric chloride, with the chemical formula FeCl₃, is a versatile chemical compound with significant applications in various industrial and chemical processes. Its discovery and utilization span across numerous fields, reflecting its importance in both traditional and modern applications.

Ferric chloride was first identified in the 19th century as part of early studies into iron compounds and their properties. Initially, it was recognized for its role as a basic iron salt with applications in chemical synthesis and water treatment. The compound is produced through the reaction of iron with chlorine or hydrochloric acid, resulting in a substance that forms brownish-yellow crystals or a dark reddish-brown solution in water.

One of the primary applications of ferric chloride is in water and wastewater treatment. It is widely used as a coagulant to remove suspended particles and impurities from water. When added to water, ferric chloride reacts with impurities, forming flocs that can be easily removed by sedimentation or filtration. This application is crucial for purifying drinking water and treating industrial effluents, ensuring that contaminants are effectively removed before discharge or reuse.

In addition to water treatment, ferric chloride is utilized in various chemical synthesis processes. It serves as a catalyst in organic reactions, such as Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, where it facilitates the formation of complex organic compounds. Ferric chloride’s ability to act as a Lewis acid makes it valuable in these synthetic processes, contributing to the production of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Ferric chloride is also used in the production of electronic components and printed circuit boards. In this application, it is employed as an etching agent to remove unwanted copper from circuit boards during manufacturing. The chemical’s ability to dissolve copper makes it essential for creating precise and functional electronic circuits.

Handling ferric chloride requires standard safety precautions due to its corrosive nature and potential health hazards. It is crucial to use appropriate personal protective equipment and work in well-ventilated areas to avoid exposure. Proper storage and handling procedures are necessary to maintain the compound's stability and prevent accidental contact.

Ongoing research and development continue to explore new applications and improve the efficiency of ferric chloride in various fields. Advances in materials science and environmental engineering are expected to enhance the compound’s utility and contribute to innovations in its applications.

In summary, ferric chloride is a crucial compound with a range of applications in water treatment, chemical synthesis, and electronics manufacturing. Its discovery and development have provided valuable tools for industrial and environmental processes, with ongoing research promising to expand its uses and improve its performance.

References

1998. Chemical, Physical, and Sensory Characteristics of Mozzarella Cheese Fortified Using Protein-Chelated Iron or Ferric Chloride. Journal of Dairy Science, 81(2).
DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(98)75580-8

2002. Determination of the Constants of Affinity of FeCl3, CuCl2, and ZnCl2 for a Nitrogen-Containing Organosilane Bonded on Al2O3-Cellulose Acetate Hybrid Material Surface from Ethanol Solution. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 254(2).
DOI: 10.1006/jcis.2002.8552

2023. Polysulphone (PSf)-Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Membranes for Iron (Fe) Removal. The 6th Mechanical Engineering, Science and Technology (MEST 2022) International Conference.
DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6463-134-0_52