Ferric chloride solution is a brown liquid with a relative density of 1.42. It is readily miscible with water, and its aqueous solution is acidic, exhibiting oxidizing and corrosive effects on metals. When diluted in water, ferric chloride hydrolyzes to form ferric hydroxide precipitate, which has extremely strong coagulating power.
It can be used as a water purifier for drinking water and a precipitant for wastewater treatment; as an oxidizing agent and mordant in the dye industry; as a catalyst and oxidizing agent in organic synthesis; and also as an etching agent in the radio printed circuit and stainless steel etching industries.
