Ferric chloride is classified into ferric chloride anhydrous, ferric chloride hydrated, and ferric chloride solution. Ferric chloride anhydrous appears as dark brown crystals, predominantly in a hexagonal crystal system. Under transmitted light, it exhibits a pomegranate-red color, while under reflected light, it displays a metallic green hue. It partially decomposes at its boiling point. Vapors at 400℃contain Fe2Cl6 molecules, and vapors at 750℃ contain FeCl3 molecules.
Ferric chloride is highly hygroscopic and readily soluble in water, methanol, ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and isopropyl ether. It is soluble in liquid SO₂, PBr₃, POCl₃, ethylamine, and aniline; insoluble in glycerol, PCl₃, and stannic chloride; and slightly soluble in carbon disulfide. As a strong oxidizing agent, ferric chloride undergoes redox reactions with metals such as copper and zinc, and forms complexes with many solvents. It is an important iron salt.
Industrial Uses of Ferric Chloride Anhydrous :
1.Ferric chloride anhydrous is an essential water treatment agent: Highly soluble in water and strongly hygroscopic, it serves as an organic synthesis catalyst. In water, it reacts with hydroxide alkalinity to form various hydrolysis products, which combine into Fe(OH)3. These positively charged hydrolysis products neutralize negative charges on colloidal particles, bind to negatively charged particulates and ferric hydroxide, and exhibit flocculating capabilities to form flocs. Ferric chloride chemically reacts with hydrogen sulfide, phosphates, arsenates, and hydroxide alkalinity in water to generate precipitates. It precipitates heavy metals and sulfides from wastewater, while the resulting ferric oxide flocs adsorb hard-to-degrade substances. It is an efficient and cost-effective flocculant for municipal sewage and industrial wastewater treatment, with significant functions including precipitation of heavy metals/sulfides, decolorization, deodorization, oil removal, sterilization, phosphorus removal, and reduction of effluent COD and BOD.
2.Construction industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is used to prepare concrete, enhancing its strength, corrosion resistance, and waterproofing properties.
3.Inorganic industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is the raw material for manufacturing other iron salts and inks.
4.Organic industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as a catalyst, oxidant, and chlorinating agent.
5.Glass industry:Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as a hot-state colorant for glassware.
6.Dye industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an oxidant for dyeing Indigosol dyes.
7.Printing and dyeing industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an oxidant and mordant for indigo dyeing.
8.Metallurgical industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an chloride leaching agent for gold and silver extraction.
9.Electronics industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is used for Production of circuit boards and fluorescent numerical displays.
10.Soap industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an coagulant for recovering glycerol from soap wastewater.
11.Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an chloride leaching agent for silver and copper ores.
12.Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as an analytical reagent and developer for thin-layer chromatography.
13.Ferric chloride anhydrous is used for metal etching (e.g., copper, stainless steel, aluminum for eyeglass frames, watches, electronic components, labels, and nameplates).
14.Ferric chloride anhydrous is formulated with ferrous chloride, calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, or hydrochloric acid as a concrete waterproofing agent.
15.Ferric chloride anhydrous is served as a chlorinating agent for gold and silver extraction.
16.Ferric chloride anhydrous is used for slag removal treatment after stainless steel etching.
17.Electroplating industry: Ferric chloride anhydrous is used in zinc-iron alloy plating, zinc immersion for aluminum/aluminum alloys, and dyeing solvents for aluminum oxide films.
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Post time: Aug-21-2025