Ferric Chloride is a chemical compound where the oxidation state of iron is +3. It is also called Iron (III) chloride or Molysite. It is an iron coordination entity which functions as an astringent and Lewis acid. The chemical formula of Ferric Chloride is FeCl3.
Molysite solution is colourless to light brown in colour and has a faint hydrochloric acid (HCl) smell. It is corrosive to most metals and tissues. It is non-combustible and is widely used in water purification and sewage treatment.
In its anhydrous form, it is deliquescent. Also, partial hydrolysis takes place as it absorbs water from the air and liberates hydrogen chloride (HCl) that forms mists in moist air. It is a strong Lewis acid.
Ferric Chloride | FeCl3 |
Molecular Weight of Ferric Chloride | 162.204 g/mol (anhydrous) |
Density of Ferric Chloride | 2.90 g/cm3 (anhydrous) |
Melting Point of Ferric Chloride | 307.6 °C |
Boiling Point of Ferric Chloride | 316 °C |
Anhydrous Iron (III) chloride is prepared as follows:
This test is conducted to determine the presence or absence of phenol in a given sample. Compounds such as enols, hydroxamic acids, sulfinic acids, and oximes give positive results. The quantity of phenol in the sample can be measured by Folin-Ciocalteau assay.
Step 1: Dissolve the sample in water plus ethanol.
Step 2: Add drops of a dilute solution of ferric chloride (FeCl3).
Step 3: If the sample turns to red, green, purple, or blue colouration then it indicates the presence of phenols.
Step 4: In case the sample is insoluble in water, it can be dissolved in dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) with a small quantity of pyridine (C5H5N).