Ferric Chloride Safety Guide
What is Ferric Chloride? Ferric Chloride, also known as iron(III) chloride, is an inorganic compound. It can be readily found in anhydrous (dry) and hydrous (wet) forms, as well as an aqueous solution. Ferric chloride has many uses, including as an agent in water purification and sewage treatment, an etching agent for the production of circuit boards, and as a reagent for other chemical manufacturing. Ferric chloride has the CAS Number 7705-08-0. Notable Properties of Ferric Chloride In solid, crystalline form, anhydrous ferric chloride is brown-black in color and the most common hexahydrate form is orange to yellow in color. In aqueous solution, ferric chloride is brown. What Makes Ferric Chloride Hazardous? Ferric chloride in all forms is acidic. This makes ferric chloride corrosive and an irritant, capable of causing serious irritation and potential burns to the skin and eyes. Breathing in ferric chloride dust or vapors can cause irritation to the respiratory s...