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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride?

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Iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride are inorganic compounds containing iron and chloride. The key difference between the two lies in the oxidation state of the iron atom:

  • Iron(II) chloride: The iron atom has a +2 oxidation state in this compound. Some key points about iron(II) chloride include:
  • Molar mass: Approximately 126.75 g/mol.
  • Forms: Dihydrated form and tetrahydrate form.
  • Reaction with sodium hydroxide: It forms a dirty green precipitate of iron(II) hydroxide.
  • Iron(III) chloride: The iron atom has a +3 oxidation state in this compound. Some key points about iron(III) chloride include:
  • Molar mass: Approximately 162.20 g/mol.
  • Forms: FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.2.5H2O, FeCl3.2H2O, and FeCl3.3.5H2O.
  • Reaction with sodium hydroxide: It forms a brown gelatinous precipitate.

To distinguish between iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride solutions, you can add sodium hydroxide solution to each of them. The solution in which a dirty green precipitate is formed is iron(II) chloride, while the solution in which a brown gelatinous precipitate is formed is iron(III) chloride.

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  • What is the Difference Between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride?
  • Comparative Table: Iron II Chloride vs Iron III Chloride

    • Comparative Table: Iron II Chloride vs Iron III Chloride

    Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride are inorganic compounds containing iron (Fe) and chloride. The key difference between the two lies in the oxidation state of the iron atom. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride:

    Property Iron II Chloride Iron III Chloride
    Oxidation State 2+ 3+
    Major Forms Dihydrated form and tetrahydrate form Four major forms: FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.2.5H2O, FeCl3.2H2O, and FeCl3.3.5H2O
    Appearance Iron(II) chloride typically appears as a white or slightly yellow powder when anhydrous, and dark green when hydrated. Iron(III) chloride typically appears as a yellow powder when anhydrous, and the aqueous solutions are yellow in color.

    To distinguish between Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride, you can observe the appearance of the two substances. Additionally, the hydrated forms of Iron III chloride have specific molecular structures, such as FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.2.5H2O, FeCl3.2H2O, and FeCl3.3.5H2O.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.