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.