Name: China Supplier Best Quality Iron chloride hexahydrate CAS 10025-77-1 with good service
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Items	Specifications	Results
Appearance	Tawny crystal or crystal	Conform
Water-insoluble	0.01%	0.004%
Free acid	0.1%	0.04%
Sulphates	0.01%	0.008%
Nitrites	0.01%	0.006%
Phosphate	0.01%	0.005%
Arsenic	0.002%	0.0009%
sodium	0.02%	0.009%
magnesium	0.002%	0.0007%
potassium	0.002%	0.0009%
calcium	0.005%	0.003%
Manganese	0.02%	0.007%
Fe2+	0.002%	0.0007%
Cuprum	0.005%	0.003%
zinc	0.003%	0.002%
Assay	≥99.0%	99.5%
Conclusion	The product conforms to the above specifications.

Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate is the hydrated form of ferric chloride, with the chemical formula FeCl₃·6H₂O. It is the most common commercial and laboratory form of iron(III) chloride.

Appearance: It typically forms yellow-orange to brownish deliquescent crystals (they absorb moisture from air).
Key Property: It is highly soluble in water, where it undergoes hydrolysis to produce an acidic, corrosive solution.
Composition: The "hexahydrate" (6H₂O) means six water molecules are associated with each FeCl₃ formula unit. The anhydrous form (FeCl₃) is a dark blackish-brown solid.

Primary Industrial & Laboratory Uses

Its applications stem from its strong coagulant properties, oxidizing power, and role as a Lewis acid catalyst.

1. Water & Wastewater Treatment (Major Use)

Coagulant/Flocculant: It causes suspended particles and organic matter in water to clump together (flocculate) so they can be easily removed. Used in:

Drinking water purification.
Municipal sewage treatment.
Industrial wastewater treatment (e.g., from metal plating, textile mills).

2. Electronics & Metalworking

Etchant for Copper: It is a standard etchant for copper, used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs). It dissolves unwanted copper, leaving the desired circuit pattern.
Metal Surface Treatment: Used for pickling (cleaning) steel and other metals.

3. Chemistry & Synthesis

Lewis Acid Catalyst: A common catalyst in organic synthesis reactions, such as Friedel-Crafts reactions (acylations, alkylations) and chlorination of aromatic compounds.
Oxidizing Agent: Used in some oxidation reactions in labs and industry.
Etchant/Dye Mordant: In hobbyist chemistry and traditional dyeing, it etches designs into metals and acts as a mordant (fixative) for dyes on fabrics.

4. Other Uses

Pharmaceuticals: A precursor in the synthesis of other iron compounds, sometimes used in nutritional supplements (though other salts like ferrous sulfate are more common for supplementation).
Laboratory Reagent: A standard chemical for qualitative and quantitative analysis (e.g., testing for phenols, as a staining agent in microscopy).

Key Properties & Hazards

Highly Corrosive: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Acidic: Its solutions are strongly acidic.
Staining: Produces persistent yellow/brown stains on skin, clothing, and surfaces.
Environmental: In concentrated form, it is toxic to aquatic life. Its use in water treatment is precisely to remove contaminants, so the residual iron in treated water is minimal and regulated.
Handling: Requires personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and lab coats. Must be stored in a cool, dry, sealed container.

In Summary:

Iron(III) chloride hexahydrate is a versatile industrial chemical primarily used as a coagulant in water treatment and an etchant for copper in electronics manufacturing. It also serves as an important catalyst and reagent in chemical synthesis. Due to its corrosive and acidic nature, it requires careful handling.