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| Synonyms:Ferric trichloride hexahydrate Iron trichloride hexahydrate Hydrated iron(III) chloride Iron(3+) chloride hexahydrate Ferric chloride 6H2O FeCl3·6H2O Molecular Formula:Cl3FeH12O6 Molecular Weight: 270.3 HS Code: 2827399090 Grade: Industrial grade98% Hazard Class:Class8 | |||||||||
10025-77-1
bosschem
10025-77-1
Ferric chloride hexahydrate (FeCl₃·6H₂O, iron(III) chloride hexahydrate) is a yellow-brown crystalline iron salt that dissolves freely in water to release Fe³⁺ ions. It is one of the most widely used inorganic coagulants in water and wastewater treatment, the classic etching agent of the PCB and printing industries, and a versatile reagent in organic synthesis and iron chemistry.
In water, ferric ions hydrolyze across a broad pH range to form voluminous, positively charged iron hydroxide flocs that sweep out suspended solids, turbidity, color, phosphate and heavy metals — which is why ferric chloride is the coagulant of choice for drinking-water plants, municipal sewage works and industrial effluent treatment. The same Lewis-acid character drives its etching, catalytic and pigment-forming applications.
A single salt, four core value propositions:
Water & Wastewater Treatment:
● a high-efficiency coagulant for turbidity, color, phosphate and heavy-metal removal in potable and industrial water;
PCB Etching & Metal Processing:
● the classic etchant for printed-circuit boards, printing plates and metal engraving;
Catalysts & Organic Synthesis:
● a Lewis-acid catalyst and oxidant for chlorination, polymerization and coupling reactions;
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (Ferric chloride hexahydrate) |
Synonyms | Ferric chloride hexahydrate; Iron trichloride hexahydrate; Iron chloride hexahydrate |
CAS No. | 10025-77-1 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 231-729-4 |
Molecular Formula | FeCl₃·6H₂O |
Molecular Weight | 270.30 g/mol |
HS Code | 2827.39 (other chlorides; 8-digit code may vary by destination) |
Appearance | Yellow-brown to brown crystalline powder |
Ferric chloride is traded mainly as aqueous solution, as the anhydrous salt (FeCl₃, CAS 7705-08-0) and as the hexahydrate (CAS 10025-77-1). The hexahydrate is a stable, easy-to-handle yellow-brown crystal; it melts at about 37 °C in its own water of crystallization and is hygroscopic, so containers must stay tightly closed. The anhydrous form is a dark, strongly hygroscopic solid that reacts vigorously with water and is reserved for moisture-free operations.
● Powerful coagulation across a wide pH range: Fe³⁺ hydrolyzes from pH 4 to 11, forming dense flocs that remove turbidity, color, phosphate and heavy metals in one step.
● Proven etchant performance: selectively dissolves copper and ferrous alloys with controlled etch rate, giving clean PCB and engraving patterns.
● Strong Lewis-acid activity: effective catalyst and oxidant for chlorination, Friedel–Crafts-type and polymerization reactions.
● Widely accepted in waterworks: a standard, cost-effective coagulant recognized by drinking-water and municipal wastewater operators worldwide.
● Multi-industry versatility: one salt serving water treatment, electronics, printing, catalysis, pigments and pharma.
● Full traceability: COA with every batch documenting Fe assay and key impurities.
Ferric chloride is one of the most widely used inorganic coagulants in the water industry:
● Drinking-water treatment: coagulates suspended solids, turbidity and color; removes arsenic and other trace metals by adsorption/co-precipitation;
● Municipal wastewater: primary and tertiary phosphorus removal, odor control and sludge conditioning;
● Industrial effluent: treats textile, paper, plating and food-processing wastewater containing suspended solids, dyes and metals;
● Heavy-metal removal: co-precipitates arsenic, chromium and other metals from process and mine water.
● PCB etching: selectively dissolves the unprotected copper layer to form circuit patterns with fine resolution;
● Printing and engraving: etchant for printing plates, metal engraving and art printing;
● Surface treatment: pickling and activation of metal surfaces in finishing lines.
● Chlorination and oxidation: catalyst/oxidant in chlorination and oxidative coupling reactions;
● Polymerization: Lewis-acid initiator/catalyst for polymerization and Friedel–Crafts-type chemistry;
● Reagent chemistry: iron source for organoiron compounds and redox transformations.
● Dyeing and pigments: mordant for textile dyeing and precursor for iron oxide pigments;
● Iron compounds manufacture: starting material for ferric sulfate, ferric oxide, ferrate and other iron salts;
● Specialty uses: waterproofing formulations, ink manufacture and laboratory analysis.
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg fiber drum with PE liner, 25 kg HDPE jerry can, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC for bulk;
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers tightly closed — the salt is hygroscopic and deliquescent;
● Store away from alkalis, reducing agents and combustible materials; protect from water ingress;
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 30 °C (below the 37 °C melting point).
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, dosing advice) within 24 hours; small trial orders accepted.
Its largest use is as a coagulant in drinking-water and wastewater treatment, removing turbidity, color, phosphate and heavy metals. It is also the classic etching agent for printed-circuit boards and printing plates, a Lewis-acid catalyst in organic synthesis, and a raw material for iron oxide pigments, iron supplements and other iron salts.
The hexahydrate (FeCl₃·6H₂O, CAS 10025-77-1) is a stable yellow-brown crystal , easy to dissolve and dose; the anhydrous form (CAS 7705-08-0) is dark and strongly hygroscopic and reacts vigorously with water, so it is used only where moisture must be excluded. For water treatment, etching and most syntheses the hexahydrate — or ferric chloride solution — is the practical standard.
Ferric ions hydrolyze across a wide pH range to form positively charged iron hydroxide flocs that neutralize negatively charged colloids and sweep suspended solids, phosphate and heavy metals out of solution. Compared with aluminum coagulants it works at lower dosage in many waters, removes more phosphate, and performs well at lower pH, making it the preferred choice in many waterworks.
No — ferric chloride is corrosive: it causes skin burns and serious eye damage, is harmful if swallowed, and is toxic to aquatic life. Use gloves, goggles and protective clothing, avoid dust and skin contact, and handle spills per MSDS. It is an industrial chemical and must never be used in food products.
