Ferric Chloride 98% Anhydrous
Ferric Chloride 98% Anhydrous (FeCl₃) is a dark brown to black crystalline solid with a metallic luster. It is a highly corrosive, hygroscopic inorganic salt widely used as a chemical reagent, catalyst, and coagulant. In its anhydrous form, ferric chloride is free of water and has a high purity of approximately 98%. It readily dissolves in water, releasing heat and producing acidic solutions. Ferric chloride is valued for its strong Lewis acid properties, making it effective in a variety of industrial, laboratory, and environmental applications. It is commonly supplied as a solid crystalline powder or lumps and should be handled with care due to its corrosive nature.
Ferric Chloride 98% Anhydrous Uses
Primary Uses
- Water and Wastewater Treatment
- Used extensively as a coagulant and flocculant to remove suspended solids, organic matter, and phosphates from water and sewage.
- Helps in controlling odors and improving water clarity.
- Effective in industrial effluent treatment plants for heavy metal and contaminant removal.
- Chemical Synthesis and Industrial Processes
- Acts as a catalyst or reagent in organic and inorganic synthesis, including Friedel-Crafts reactions, chlorination, and oxidation processes.
- Used in etching and surface treatment of metals, especially in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing for copper etching.
- Employed in the production of pigments, dyes, and other iron-containing chemicals.
- Electronics and Metal Processing
- Applied in metal cleaning and pickling to remove rust and oxide layers.
- Used in electroplating baths and as a mordant in textile dyeing.
- Laboratory and Analytical Applications
- Serves as a reagent for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis, particularly for detecting phenols and other organic compounds.
- Used in the preparation of iron salts and complexes.
Secondary Uses
- Catalyst in Polymerization
- Utilized as a catalyst in polymer production and modification processes.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Employed in trace amounts in certain pharmaceutical formulations and synthesis processes.
- Environmental Applications
- Used in sludge dewatering and stabilization processes.
Helps in odor control and reduction of biological oxygen demand (BOD) in waste streams.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Iron(III) chloride
- Common/Trade Name: Ferric Chloride 98% Anhydrous
- CAS Number: 7705-08-0
- HS Code: 2827.39.00
- Molecular Formula: FeCl₃
- Synonyms: Iron trichloride, ferric trichloride, iron(III) chloride
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline solid (granules, lumps, or powder)
- Color & Odor: Dark brown to black; no distinct odor but corrosive fumes released on contact with moisture
- Melting Point: Approximately 306°C (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Sublimes at about 315°C
- Density: Approx. 2.9 g/cm³
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water with exothermic dissolution; reacts vigorously with water
- pH (aqueous solution): Strongly acidic (pH ~1–2)
- Stability: Stable when stored dry and away from moisture; hydrolyzes readily on contact with water producing hydrochloric acid vapors
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Corrosive (Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1), Acute toxicity, Hazardous to aquatic environment
- Toxicity: Corrosive to skin, eyes, respiratory tract; harmful if swallowed or inhaled
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL = 1 mg/m³ (iron oxide fume as a guideline); local limits may vary
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Corrosion-resistant containers, typically plastic-lined drums or polyethylene bags
- Shelf Life: 1–2 years if stored properly in moisture-free conditions
- Handling Precautions: Use protective equipment; avoid dust formation and moisture contact; handle in well-ventilated areas or under fume extraction
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- REACH Registration: Registered under EU chemical regulations
- Transportation: Classified as hazardous material; subject to regulations for corrosive substances
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local environmental regulations; neutralize before disposal if possible
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic salt, does not biodegrade but reacts with environmental components
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life; avoid release to waterways
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., neoprene or nitrile)
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Protective lab coat or chemical-resistant clothing
- Respiratory protection (dust mask or respirator) in dusty or fume-prone environments
- Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid inhalation of dust and fumes
- Use under a fume hood or in well-ventilated areas
- Prevent contact with skin and eyes
- Avoid moisture exposure to prevent hazardous hydrolysis
- Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed and dry
- Store away from bases, water, and strong oxidizers
- Protect from humidity and moisture
- Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas
- Clean equipment and surfaces regularly
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation:
- Move affected person to fresh air immediately
- Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or distress occurs
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately
- Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water
- Seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes
- Seek urgent medical attention
- Ingestion:
- Do not induce vomiting
- Rinse mouth with water
- Seek immediate medical assistance
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards:
- Non-flammable but decomposes at high temperatures releasing corrosive and toxic fumes including hydrochloric acid and chlorine gases
- Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers
- Avoid using water directly on dry material as it may release heat and corrosive vapors
- Special Precautions:
- Firefighters should wear full protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus
- Prevent contaminated runoff from entering water bodies
- Decomposition Products:
Hydrogen chloride gas, chlorine gas, iron oxides, and other toxic fumes