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.