Ferric chloride

Ferric chloride (CAS 7705-08-0), also known commercially as iron trichloride, is an inorganic iron salt used across water treatment, metal processing, and chemical synthesis. It functions primarily as a coagulant, etchant, and catalyst depending on the application sector.

In municipal and industrial water treatment, ferric chloride precipitates suspended solids and phosphates, making it a standard coagulant-flocculant for effluent clarification. This process is essential for meeting environmental discharge regulations.

PCB manufacturers and metal fabricators use it as an etchant to selectively dissolve copper and other metals with controlled precision. This chemical milling process is vital for high-accuracy electronic component production.

Textile and leather processors apply it as a mordant to fix dyes and improve color fastness on natural fibers. This ensures that pigments remain stable and vibrant throughout the lifecycle of the finished material.

In chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical manufacturing, it acts as a Lewis acid catalyst for Friedel-Crafts reactions and other electrophilic processes. Its reactivity makes it a versatile tool for complex organic transformations.

Ferric chloride is supplied as an anhydrous solid, hexahydrate crystals, or as a liquid solution. It is typically provided at 40–45% concentration for large-scale water treatment and industrial applications.

Standard grades include technical, industrial, and reagent-grade specifications to meet the requirements of different end uses. These grades ensure the material meets specific purity levels for sensitive laboratory or manufacturing work.

Bulk liquid supply in IBC containers or tankers is common for large-scale water treatment procurement. Solid forms are also available in bags or drums to accommodate various storage and handling preferences.