Iron II Chloride vs. Iron III Chloride — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 18, 2023
Iron II Chloride (FeCl₂) contains iron in a +2 oxidation state. Iron III Chloride (FeCl₃) has iron in a +3 oxidation state. Their properties and uses differ based on their oxidation states.
Difference Between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Oxidation States: Iron II Chloride consists of iron cations in the +2 oxidation state. On the other hand, Iron III Chloride consists of iron cations with a +3 oxidation state. This variation in oxidation states contributes to their differences in chemical behavior.
Physical Properties: Iron II Chloride is typically a white or pale green crystalline solid, while Iron III Chloride appears as a dark brown crystalline substance. Their distinct colors are attributed to the different oxidation states of the iron within them.
Chemical Reactivity: Iron II Chloride is less reactive than Iron III Chloride. This difference stems from their distinct oxidation states, with Iron III Chloride having a greater propensity to act as an oxidizing agent than Iron II Chloride.
Applications: Iron II Chloride is employed as a reducing agent in organic synthesis and other chemical processes. Conversely, Iron III Chloride is widely used as a coagulant in wastewater treatment and a catalyst in organic reactions.
Solubility: Both Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride are soluble in water. However, their solubilities can differ, and the solutions they form have distinct colors, with Iron II Chloride producing a pale green solution and Iron III Chloride forming a brown solution.
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Comparison Chart
Oxidation State
+2
+3
Color
White or pale green
Dark brown
Reactivity
Less reactive
More reactive
Common Use
Reducing agent
Coagulant in wastewater treatment, organic catalyst
Solution Color
Pale green
Brown
Compare with Definitions
Iron II Chloride
A water-soluble ionic compound.
When Iron II Chloride is dissolved, it produces a pale green solution.
Iron III Chloride
Acts as a catalyst in various reactions.
For the desired synthesis, Iron III Chloride was chosen as the catalyst.
Iron II Chloride
A compound with iron in the +2 oxidation state.
Iron II Chloride can serve as a mild reducing agent.
Iron III Chloride
A compound where iron has a +3 oxidation state.
Iron III Chloride is a potent oxidizing agent in certain conditions.
Iron II Chloride
FeCl₂ by chemical formula.
By analyzing its components, she confirmed the substance was FeCl₂ or Iron II Chloride.
Iron III Chloride
A dark brown crystalline substance.
The dark hue of the crystal indicated its composition as Iron III Chloride.
Iron II Chloride
A pale green crystalline solid.
The pale green color of the powder was indicative of Iron II Chloride.
Iron III Chloride
Chemically represented as FeCl₃.
FeCl₃ is another name for Iron III Chloride.
Iron II Chloride
Used in organic synthesis.
For the reaction, she selected Iron II Chloride due to its reductive properties.
Iron III Chloride
Widely used in wastewater treatment.
To treat the contaminated water, they added Iron III Chloride as a coagulant.
Common Curiosities
What determines the difference between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride?
The difference lies in their iron oxidation states: +2 in Iron II Chloride and +3 in Iron III Chloride.
Which is more reactive?
Iron III Chloride is generally more reactive due to its higher oxidation state.
Are their physical appearances distinct?
Yes, Iron II Chloride is pale green or white, while Iron III Chloride is dark brown.
Can both be used as catalysts?
While both can be used in chemical reactions, Iron III Chloride is more commonly used as a catalyst.
Are they both soluble in water?
Yes, both dissolve in water, producing solutions of different colors.
Can they be used interchangeably?
No, their uses depend on their specific chemical properties and oxidation states.
How are they typically stored?
They are stored in cool, dry places in sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption.
Which is more commonly found in laboratories?
Both are common, but Iron III Chloride is more frequently used due to its versatile applications.
Are they expensive?
Costs can vary, but neither is particularly expensive.
How are they produced?
Both can be produced by combining elemental iron with chlorine, given the right conditions.
Are they harmful?
In large quantities or concentrations, they can be harmful and should be handled with care.
Can they be used in medical applications?
They aren't typically used in direct medical applications.
Are there safety precautions to consider?
Yes, always use gloves and goggles and avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Are they found naturally?
They can occur naturally, especially near iron deposits, but are often synthetically produced.
Can they corrode metals?
Both can be corrosive, especially in moist conditions or in solution.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
