Stable. Very sensitive to moisture. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents; forms explosive mixtures with sodium, potassium. Hygroscopic.
Safety Information
Hazard codes
C,Xn,Xi
Risk statements
41-38-22-34
safety statements
26-39-45-36/37/39
Chemical Properties
black crystalline powder
General Description Ferric chloride is an orange to brown-black solid. Ferric chloride is slightly soluble in water. Ferric chloride is noncombustible. When wet Ferric chloride is corrosive to aluminum and most metals. Pick up and remove spilled solid before adding water. Ferric chloride is used to treat sewage, industrial waste, to purify water, as an etching agent for engraving circuit boards, and in the manufacture of other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Very hygroscopic.
Slightly water soluble, where a 0.1M solution has a pH of 2.0.
Black-brown crystals, also have flakes, melting point 282 ℃, boiling point 315 ℃, easily soluble in water and have strong water absorption, can absorb moisture in the air and deliquescence.
It is used as a water purifier, mainly for the purification of drinking water and the treatment of industrial sewage; as an oxidant and mordant in the dye industry; as a catalyst and oxidant in the organic synthesis industry; as a photograph, circuit board, copper plate copper character production etchant; used as raw material for the manufacture of iron salts, pigments, inks, medicines; it is used as chlorinated leaching agent in silver and copper ores; adding a small amount of ferric chloride solution to building concrete can increase the strength of its components and prevent water seepage.
