Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride

Fe + CuCl2 → FeCl2 + Cu

Overview

Iron replaces copper in copper(II) chloride solution because iron is more reactive. The green copper(II) chloride solution turns pale green as iron(II) chloride forms, and copper metal deposits on the iron surface. This demonstrates the activity series of metals.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Iron Fe 1 (s)
Reactant Iron(III) Chloride FeCl₃ 1 (aq)
Product Copper Cu 1 (s)

Everyday Example

This reaction can be observed when iron garden tools are left in contact with copper-containing fungicide solutions.

Industrial Importance

Used in copper recovery processes and in the production of iron(II) chloride, which serves as a flocculant in water treatment.

Properties

Type
Single Replacement
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-148.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Calcium Reacting with Water Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride?
The balanced equation is: Fe + CuCl₂ → FeCl₂ + Cu.
What type of reaction is Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride?
Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride is a single replacement reaction.
Is Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride exothermic or endothermic?
Iron Reacting with Copper(II) Chloride is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -148.0 kJ/mol.