Ferric chloride hexahydrate

Synonyms

Ferric chloride, hexahydrate; Ferric trichloride hexahydrate; Iron (III), chloride, hexahydrate; Iron trichloride hexahydrate; Iron(3+) chloride, hexahydrate; Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate; [ChemIDplus] Iron chloride (FeCl3), hexahydrate; [OECD: SIDS Dossier] UN3260

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Brownish-yellow or orange solid with mild odor of hydrogen chloride; Highly hygroscopic and soluble in water; [Merck Index] Yellow-brown odorless prills; Hygroscopic; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used in photoengraving and photography and to make other iron salts, pigments, inks, and dyes; Also used as a catalyst; mordant in dyeing and printing textiles; medication (astringent and styptic); and agent for purifying factory effluents, deodorizing sewage, and chlorinating silver and copper ores; [Merck Index] Used mainly in the EU as flocculating and precipitating agents in potable and waste water treatment plants and paper mills; Also used in chemical synthesis, for etching copper and stainless steel, and in fertilizers; [OECD SIDS] Permitted for use as an inert ingredient in non-food pesticide products; [EPA]

Comments

An irritant that may cause liver injury; [Merck Index] Causes burns; Inhalation may cause corrosive injuries to upper respiratory tract; Harmful by ingestion; [Alfa Aesar MSDS] See "Ferric chloride."

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

1 mg/m3, as Fe (soluble iron salts)

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s."

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Skin burns

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Photographic Processing
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Sewer and Wastewater Treatment
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)