Ferric chloride hexahydrate

Agent Name
Ferric chloride hexahydrate
CAS Number
10025-77-1
Formula
Cl3-Fe.6H2-O
Major Category
Metals
Ferric chloride hexahydrate formula graphical representation
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

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
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."

Adverse Effects

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

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent