Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate, identified by its CAS number 10025-77-1, is a fundamental inorganic chemical compound with widespread industrial significance. Its unique properties make it indispensable in sectors ranging from environmental management to electronics manufacturing. As a leading ferric chloride hexahydrate manufacturer, we aim to provide a clear understanding of this versatile chemical and how to procure it effectively. If you are seeking to buy ferric chloride hexahydrate, this guide will illuminate its key aspects.

Key Properties of Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate

The compound's chemical formula is FeCl3·6H2O. It typically appears as light brown, deliquescent crystalline chunks or powder, readily absorbing moisture from the air. Its salient properties include:

  • High Solubility: It is easily soluble in water, alcohol, and diethyl ether, facilitating its use in various solutions.
  • Hygroscopic Nature: Requires careful storage in tightly sealed containers to prevent absorption of atmospheric moisture, which can affect its concentration and handling.
  • Acidity: Aqueous solutions are acidic due to hydrolysis, with a pH typically around 1.8 for a 10% solution.
  • Oxidizing Agent: It exhibits mild oxidizing properties, contributing to its utility in certain chemical reactions.

Diverse Industrial Applications

The applications of Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate are broad and critical:

  • Water and Wastewater Treatment: It acts as a powerful coagulant and flocculant, effectively removing suspended solids, color, and phosphorus from water sources and industrial effluents. This is arguably its most significant application in environmental protection.
  • Metal Etching: In the electronics industry, it is a staple etchant for copper, essential for producing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and in the manufacturing of semiconductor components.
  • Catalysis: It serves as a Lewis acid catalyst in numerous organic synthesis reactions, including Friedel-Crafts alkylations and acylations, and various cyclization reactions.
  • Pigment Production: It is used in the synthesis of certain iron-based pigments.
  • Laboratory Reagent: Used in analytical chemistry and research for various qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Sourcing and Procurement Best Practices

When procuring Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate, especially for industrial-scale operations, it's vital to partner with a reliable ferric chloride hexahydrate supplier in China. Key considerations include:

  • Purity: Ensure the supplier provides products meeting the required purity levels, typically 98% or higher for industrial applications.
  • Consistency: Batch-to-batch consistency is crucial for predictable performance in manufacturing processes.
  • Pricing: Compare the ferric chloride hexahydrate price from multiple reputable manufacturers to ensure cost-effectiveness.
  • Supply Chain Reliability: Work with suppliers who have a proven track record of timely delivery and robust production capabilities.

By understanding the properties and applications of Ferric Chloride Hexahydrate and choosing a quality-focused manufacturer, businesses can ensure efficient and cost-effective integration of this essential chemical into their operations.