Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Fe + 2HCl → FeCl2 + H2
Overview
Iron dissolves in hydrochloric acid to produce iron(II) chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction proceeds at a moderate rate, producing green iron(II) chloride solution and gas bubbles. Warming the acid or using powdered iron increases the reaction rate significantly.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Iron Fe | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Hydrogen H | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Steel (iron) structures corroding faster in coastal areas is partly due to the reaction of iron with acidic chloride-containing sea spray.
Industrial Importance
Iron(II) chloride is used as a reducing agent, in water treatment as a flocculant, and in the production of iron-based pigments.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -89.1 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 Hydrochloric Acid?
The balanced equation is: Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂.
What type of reaction is Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?
Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is a single replacement reaction.
Is Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?
Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -89.1 kJ/mol.