FeCl₂ (Ferrous Chloride) Solution -- Properties, Corrosivity & Industrial Sourcing

FeCl₂ (Ferrous Chloride) is an important chemical compound with many applications in industry and wastewater treatment. It is a strongly corrosive substance that oxidizes easily into FeCl₃ and can cause irritation on contact.

This article will help you better understand the physical and chemical properties, the key applications of FeCl₂, safe storage methods, and where to buy verified FeCl₂ in Vietnam.

FeCl₂ (Ferrous Chloride) is an inorganic salt of iron(II) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), with the chemical formula FeCl₂. FeCl₂ is an inorganic salt compound, usually existing as a pale green solution. When exposed to air, FeCl₂ easily oxidizes to form FeCl₃, which has a yellowish-brown color.

FeCl2 Solution

Ferrous chloride, or FeCl2, is a chemical compound with the formula FeCl2. It is a salt formed from iron(II) ions and hydrochloric acid (HCl). FeCl2 is typically found as a pale green solution and has the ability to convert into ferric chloride (FeCl3) through an oxidation process.

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• What is FeCl2 and why does this compound play such an important role in many industries?

Physical and Chemical Properties of FeCl2 Solution

• Physical properties:
  
  
  
  
  • FeCl₂ exists as a pale green solution, and when crystallized it can form pale green or white crystals.
  
  

  
  

  • Density of FeCl₂ solution (30%) is approximately 1.29 - 1.31 g/cm³.
  
  

  
  

  • Boiling point is approximately 106°C, and it evaporates easily at high temperatures.
  
  
  
  






• Chemical properties:
  
  
  
  
  • FeCl₂ dissolves completely in water, forming a weakly acidic solution.
  
  

  
  

  • Oxidizes easily in air, converting to yellowish-brown FeCl₃.
  
  

  
  

  • Reacts with strong bases (NaOH, KOH) to form a bluish-white Fe(OH)₂ precipitate.
  
  
  
  






• Toxicity: FeCl2 is toxic and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon contact. Using FeCl2 requires strict compliance with safety regulations.

Does FeCl₂ Form a Precipitate? Which Metals Does It React With?

FeCl₂ does not form a precipitate in water, but when it reacts with a base such as NaOH or NH₄OH, it produces a bluish-white Fe(OH)₂ precipitate. If left in air for a long time, Fe(OH)₂ will oxidize into reddish-brown Fe(OH)₃.

• Reaction with aluminum (Al) – produces free Fe
  
  
  
  • 3FeCl2+2Al→2AlCl3+3Fe↓
  
  
  
  






• Reaction with a base – forms Fe(OH)₂ precipitate
  
  
  
  • FeCl2+2NaOH→Fe(OH)2↓+2NaCl
  
  
  
  

✅ The Fe(OH)₂ precipitate is bluish-white, and after being exposed to air for a while it turns reddish-brown due to oxidation into Fe(OH)₃.

Technical Specifications of Commercial FeCl2 Solution

Suitable Equipment Materials for FeCl2

• Storage tanks: HDPE, FRP, or 904L stainless steel. Avoid carbon steel, aluminum, and copper.






• Pipes & valves: PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PP (polypropylene) — better chemical resistance than standard PVC.






• Long-term storage: Applying an N2 (nitrogen) blanket above the solution to prevent oxygen exposure, extending FeCl2's usable shelf life to several months in a sealed tank.






• Documentation standards: COA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS, COC (Certificate of Conformity) — required when purchasing industrial FeCl2.

Is FeCl₂ Soluble in Water?

FeCl₂ dissolves completely in water, forming a weakly acidic solution. When dissolved, it dissociates into Fe²⁺ and Cl⁻ ions, making the coagulation and water treatment process more effective.

• Dissociation reaction of FeCl₂ in water:
  
  
  
  • FeCl2→Fe2++2Cl−
  
  
  
  

FeCl₂ vs FeCl₃ – Key Differences

Key Applications of FeCl2 Chemical

Water Treatment with FeCl2

• FeCl2 applications are clearly seen in wastewater and domestic water treatment. FeCl₂ is widely used in wastewater treatment thanks to its ability to precipitate heavy metal ions and remove impurities. When exposed to oxygen, FeCl₂ converts to Fe(OH)₃, which traps sediment and helps clarify the water. It helps remove sludge and bacteria and reduces water turbidity by precipitating metal ions and limiting bacterial growth.






• Water treatment reaction: FeCl2​+O2​+2H2​O→Fe(OH)3​↓+2HCl

Applications in Metallurgy and Electroplating

FeCl₂ is used for metal rust removal, electroplating, and permanent magnet production. It helps remove the iron oxide layer on the metal surface, allowing the plating layer to adhere more firmly.

• Rust removal reaction: Fe2O3+6FeCl2+6HCl→6FeCl3+3H2O

Food Processing

• In the food industry, FeCl2 is used as an antioxidant and coloring agent, and it also helps supplement iron during food production and processing.

Industrial Manufacturing

• FeCl2 is used in the manufacturing of rubber, paper, dyes, and pesticides. Ferrous chloride salts such as FeCl2 and FeCl3 play an important role in the chemical processes related to these industries. It is also used in the production of iron-based products such as magnets and batteries.

Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals

• FeCl2 is also used as a catalyst or reagent in laboratory chemical reactions. In the pharmaceutical industry, this substance can also be used as a source of iron ions for iron supplement medications.

Pollution Treatment with FeCl2 Solution

• FeCl2 is also used in pollution treatment methods, such as cleaning industrial exhaust gases and removing organic pollutants from water.

Safe Storage Measures for FeCl2 Solution

• Store FeCl2 solution at a cool, stable temperature. Avoid places with high temperatures or sudden temperature fluctuations, in order to avoid affecting the properties of the solution.






• Place it in a dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, as humidity and sunlight can degrade the solution's quality.






• Keep the chemical in a sealed container to prevent contact with air, which can cause oxidation into FeCl3 or even solidification of the solution.






• The choice of storage container material for FeCl2 solution is also very important; glass or chemical-resistant plastic containers are a suitable choice for holding FeCl2.






• Label the solution clearly, including the chemical name, storage date, and any necessary safety warnings.






• Comply with safety regulations for chemical handling, including using personal protective equipment when using and cleaning up the chemical.
  

Frequently Asked Questions About FeCl2 Solution

Verified Address to Buy and Sell FeCl2

When you need to buy FeCl2 of good quality, choosing a reliable supplier is very important. Loc Thien Chemicals is a verified address where you can find FeCl2 solution in various concentrations suitable for industrial applications. Loc Thien Chemicals is a verified chemical supplier where you can purchase FeCl2 solution along with many other basic chemicals such as NaOH, HCl, and Javen. Loc Thien guarantees to supply chemical products that meet technical standards and ensure customer safety. For more information about pricing and other related products, please contact us directly via hotline 0979 891 929.