Ferric chloride anhydrous, with the chemical formula FeCl₃, is an important iron chloride. It usually exists as dark brown crystals or lumpy solids, with strong hygroscopicity, and is easily soluble in solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone. Its aqueous solution is acidic due to hydrolysis and appears yellowish-brown to reddish-brown depending on the concentration. In industry, ferric chloride has a wide range of applications: it can be used as a flocculant in water treatment to remove suspended impurities and heavy metals from water; in printing plate-making and etching processes, it can corrode metals like copper; it is also an important catalyst in organic synthesis and can be used to prepare other iron compounds. Additionally, in the medical field, dilute ferric chloride solution can be used for hemostasis, utilizing its property of rapidly coagulating proteins.
| TEST ITEMS | STANDARD VALUE | TEST VALUE |
| Appearance | Brown Green Crystals | Brown Green Crystals |
| Ferric Chloride Content (FeCl3) % | First Grade ≥96.0 | 98.57% |
| Ferrous Chloride Content (FeCl3) % | First Grade ≤2.0 | 0.18% |
| Insoluble Content % | First Grade ≤1.5 | 0.37% |
1. Ferric chloride anhydrous is used for metal etching (etching of materials such as copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, such as eyeglass frames, clocks, electronic components, signboards, etc.).
2. Ferric chloride anhydrous is used in the construction industry to prepare concrete to enhance the strength, corrosion resistance, and waterproofness of concrete.
3. Ferric chloride anhydrous can be prepared with ferrous chloride, calcium chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, hydrochloric acid, etc. to make concrete waterproofing agents.
4. In the inorganic industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as a raw material for making other iron salts and inks.
5. In the organic industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as a catalyst, oxidant, and chlorinating agent.
6. In the dye industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as an oxidant for dyeing with indigo dyes.
7. In the printing and dyeing industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as an oxidant and mordant for dyeing with indigo dyes.
8. In the metallurgical industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as a chlorinated extractor for extracting gold and silver.
9. Ferric chloride anhydrous is used as a hot colorant for glassware in the glass industry.
10. In the soap industry, ferric chloride anhydrous is used as a coagulant for recovering glycerol from soap waste liquid.
11. ferric chloride anhydrous is used in circuit boards of the electronics industry.
Protective measures:
Respiratory protection: Wear a dust mask when you may be exposed to dust. Wear a gas mask when necessary.
Eye protection: Wear chemical safety glasses.
Protective clothing: Wear work clothes (made of anti-corrosion materials).