Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide
FeCl3 + 3NaOH → Fe(OH)3 + 3NaCl
Overview
Iron(III) chloride reacts with sodium hydroxide to form a rust-brown precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide and sodium chloride. This reaction is the basis for iron removal in water treatment and for qualitative identification of iron(III) ions.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Iron(III) Chloride FeCl₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 3 | (aq) |
| Product | Sodium Chloride NaCl | 3 | (aq) |
Everyday Example
The brown sludge in water treatment plants often contains iron(III) hydroxide precipitated by adding a base to iron-containing water.
Industrial Importance
Iron hydroxide precipitation is used in water and wastewater treatment for removing phosphates, heavy metals, and suspended solids. Iron(III) chloride is a major flocculant.
Properties
- Type
- Double Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -88.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke)
Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation
Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid
Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate
Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test)
Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid
Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide
Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)
Magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid (Antacid)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: FeCl₃ + 3NaOH → Fe(OH)₃ + 3NaCl.
What type of reaction is Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide?
Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide is a double replacement reaction.
Is Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -88.0 kJ/mol.