What is the Difference Between Iron II Chloride and Iron III Chloride?

Iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride are inorganic compounds containing iron and chloride. The key difference between the two lies in the oxidation state of the iron atom:

• Iron(II) chloride: The iron atom has a +2 oxidation state in this compound. Some key points about iron(II) chloride include:
• Molar mass: Approximately 126.75 g/mol.
• Forms: Dihydrated form and tetrahydrate form.
• Reaction with sodium hydroxide: It forms a dirty green precipitate of iron(II) hydroxide.
• Iron(III) chloride: The iron atom has a +3 oxidation state in this compound. Some key points about iron(III) chloride include:
• Molar mass: Approximately 162.20 g/mol.
• Forms: FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.2.5H2O, FeCl3.2H2O, and FeCl3.3.5H2O.
• Reaction with sodium hydroxide: It forms a brown gelatinous precipitate.

To distinguish between iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride solutions, you can add sodium hydroxide solution to each of them. The solution in which a dirty green precipitate is formed is iron(II) chloride, while the solution in which a brown gelatinous precipitate is formed is iron(III) chloride.

Comparative Table: Iron II Chloride vs Iron III Chloride

Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride are inorganic compounds containing iron (Fe) and chloride. The key difference between the two lies in the oxidation state of the iron atom. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride:

To distinguish between Iron II chloride and Iron III chloride, you can observe the appearance of the two substances. Additionally, the hydrated forms of Iron III chloride have specific molecular structures, such as FeCl3.6H2O, FeCl3.2.5H2O, FeCl3.2H2O, and FeCl3.3.5H2O.