Ferric Chloride, also know as Iron(III) chloride, and Iron chloride, is an industrial scale commodity chemical compound. Its chemical formula is FeCl3. When dissolved in water, the compound undergoes hydrolysis resulting in a brown highly corrosive, acidic solution that is used as a flocculent in sewage treatment and drinking water production. Anhydrous iron(III) chloride is a strong Lewis acid that is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis.
In its raw form, ferric chloride is a hygroscopic crystal. Its color is dependent on the viewing angle. In reflected light, the crystals appear to be dark green. By transmitted light, they appear purple-red. Ferric chloride is readily soluble in liquids with donor properties, such as alcohols, ketones, ethers, nitriles, amines, and liquid sulfur dioxide, but sparingly soluble in nonpolar solvents like benzene and hexane according to Ulmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
Ferric chloride is harmful, highly corrosive, and acidic. The anhydrous material is a powerful dehydrating agent. Although poisoning in humans is rare, ingestion of ferric chloride can result in serious morbidity and mortality.
The most common use of ferric chloride is in solution. When dissolved it forms a light brown aqueous solution with a faint hydrochloric acid odor. It is highly corrosive to most metals and probably corrosive to tissue. It is noncombustible and primarily used in sewage treatment and water purification.
Industrial uses include the manufacture of pigments, plating agents and surface treating agents, process regulators, and solids separation agents.
Ferris chloride is produced industrially by a process called direct chlorination, the reaction of dry chlorine with scrap iron at 500-700 degrees Centigrade.
The Chemical Company supplies Ferric Chloride to industrial buyers requiring consistent product quality, reliable availability, and flexible supply solutions across a variety of applications and volume requirements.
Ferric Chloride is used across a range of industrial and specialty chemical applications, including:
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Ferric Chloride |
| CAS Number | 7705-08-0 |
| Molecular Formula | FeCl₃ |
| Appearance | Dark green crystals (anhydrous); brown liquid (solution) |
| Odor | Faint hydrochloric acid odor (solution) |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water and polar solvents |
| Reactivity | Strong Lewis acid; powerful dehydrating agent in anhydrous form |
| Corrosivity | Highly corrosive to metals and tissue |
The Chemical Company supplies Ferric Chloride through a reliable and flexible distribution network designed to support industrial buyers and formulators at any scale:
Our distribution model is built to reduce supply risk, improve lead times, and support evolving production demands.
Contact us to learn more about our chemical supply and distribution solutions.
Ferric Chloride is most commonly used as a flocculant in water treatment and sewage processing, and as an etching agent in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. It is also used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, and in pigment production, surface treatment, and other industrial applications.
The CAS number for Ferric Chloride is 7705-08-0.
Anhydrous Ferric Chloride is a dry crystalline solid that acts as a powerful Lewis acid and dehydrating agent, commonly used in organic synthesis and catalysis. Ferric Chloride solution is Ferric Chloride dissolved in water, forming a brown, corrosive liquid primarily used in water treatment and PCB etching.
Ferric Chloride is used across water and wastewater treatment, electronics and PCB manufacturing, chemical processing, industrial manufacturing, pigments and coatings, and municipal utilities.
Yes. Ferric Chloride is highly corrosive to most metals and to human tissue. It is harmful if ingested and can cause serious injury on contact with skin or eyes. Proper personal protective equipment, ventilation, and safe handling procedures should always be followed when working with Ferric Chloride.
Ferric Chloride is produced industrially through direct chlorination, a process in which dry chlorine gas is reacted with scrap iron at temperatures between 500–700°C to yield anhydrous FeCl₃.
Ferric Chloride is also known as Iron(III) Chloride, Iron Chloride, Iron Trichloride, Ferric Trichloride, and Flores Martis.
The Chemical Company supplies Ferric Chloride in bulk liquid, drums, and totes. Both anhydrous and solution grades are available. Contact us at (401) 423-3100 or submit a quote request to discuss volume and packaging options.
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