CAS 7705-08-0 · Coagulant · 37–42% Solution
Ferric Chloride
FeCl₃ · MW 162.20 g/mol · Iron(III) Chloride
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies ferric chloride solution to municipal water treatment facilities, wastewater operations, and industrial users across Texas. Available as a 37–42% liquid solution, our ferric chloride is a proven coagulant for removing suspended solids, phosphorus, and turbidity from both drinking water and industrial process water. Every order ships with full SDS documentation, lot traceability, and proper HAZMAT documentation — with a single point of contact from first order to final delivery. Serving Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and all major Texas industrial corridors from our Fort Worth distribution center.
Formula
FeCl₃
pH (solution)
1–2
Concentration
37–42%
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Iron(III) with three chloride ligands — Fe³⁺ is the active coagulating species in solution
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 1 — Slight hazard
- OSHA PEL (Fe dust)
- 10 mg/m³
- DOT Hazard Class
- 8 — Corrosive
- UN Number
- UN 2582 (solution)
- Incompatibilities
- Strong bases, oxidizers; corrosive to most metals
- Special Hazard
- Highly corrosive to concrete, stainless steel, and most metals
Highly corrosive — use acid-resistant PPE and equipment. Avoid contact with concrete and most metals. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | FeCl₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 162.20 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 7705-08-0 |
| Physical Form | Dark brown liquid (solution) or dark solid |
| Boiling Point | 315 °C (anhydrous) |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable |
| Density | 1.35–1.42 g/cm³ (37–42% solution) |
| pH | 1–2 (strongly acidic solution) |
| Solubility | 920 g/L at 20 °C (highly soluble) |
| Odor | Slight HCl odor |
| Color | Dark reddish-brown |
| Vapor Pressure | Negligible at 20 °C |
Industrial Applications
Municipal Water Coagulation
Primary coagulant for drinking water treatment — ferric chloride destabilizes colloidal particles and suspended solids by charge neutralization and sweep flocculation, forming settleable floc. Effective over a wide pH range (4–11).
Wastewater Treatment
Coagulant and phosphorus removal agent in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. Ferric chloride reacts with soluble phosphate to form insoluble ferric phosphate, achieving >90% phosphorus removal.
Sludge Conditioning
Conditioning agent for municipal biosolids before belt press or centrifuge dewatering. Ferric chloride improves sludge dewaterability by destabilizing the colloidal structure of biosolids, reducing polymer demand.
Printed Circuit Board Etching
Etchant for copper in PCB manufacturing — ferric chloride oxidizes and dissolves copper traces, defining circuit patterns. Used in both spray and immersion etching processes for electronics fabrication.
Odor Control
Hydrogen sulfide scavenger in wastewater collection systems — ferric chloride reacts with H₂S to form insoluble iron sulfide, controlling sewer odors and corrosion in force mains and wet wells.
Industrial Wastewater
Coagulant for removing heavy metals, turbidity, and color from industrial effluents including textile, tannery, and metal finishing wastewater. Effective for treating high-strength industrial streams.
Why Source Ferric Chloride from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying coagulants to Texas water utilities and industrial customers
- 37%, 40%, and 42% solution grades available
- Drums, totes, and bulk tanker delivery with corrosive-rated equipment
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Other Water Treatment Products
Ferric Chloride vs. Alternatives
Ferric chloride is a high-performance coagulant effective across a wide pH range, particularly for phosphorus removal and difficult-to-treat waters.
| Attribute | Ferric Chloride | Aluminum Sulfate | Poly Aluminum Chloride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Coagulant | Fe³⁺ ions | Al³⁺ ions | Pre-hydrolyzed Al species |
| Effective pH Range | 4.0–7.5 (broader than alum) | 6.0–7.5 | 5.0–8.5 |
| Phosphorus Removal | Excellent — forms insoluble FePO4 | Good — forms AlPO4 | Good |
| Floc Density | Dense — settles rapidly | Bulky — slower settling | Compact |
| Corrosivity | High — requires lined tanks and HDPE piping | Moderate | Moderate |
Industries We Supply Ferric Chloride To
Municipal Wastewater Treatment
Ferric chloride is the leading coagulant for biological phosphorus removal enhancement and chemical phosphorus precipitation to meet stringent effluent limits.
Ferric Chloride supply in Houston, TXDrinking Water Treatment
Used at water treatment plants treating colored, high-turbidity, or low-alkalinity source waters where ferric chloride outperforms alum.
Ferric Chloride supply in San Antonio, TXIndustrial Wastewater
Coagulates suspended solids, heavy metals, and phosphorus in industrial effluent from food processing, chemical manufacturing, and metal finishing operations.
Ferric Chloride supply in Beaumont, TXPCB & Electronics Manufacturing
Ferric chloride solution is used as an etchant to remove copper from printed circuit boards in electronics manufacturing.
Ferric Chloride supply in Austin, TX