Application
Iron chloride hexahydrate is mainly used as water treatment agent, corrosive agent in printing plate making, electronic circuit board, chlorinating agent in metallurgical industry, oxidant and mordant in dye industry, catalyst and oxidant in organic synthesis industry, chlorinating agent, It is the raw material for the manufacture of other iron salts and pigments and used in mine beneficiation. It is used as a flocculant in the purification of drinking water and industrial water supply. It has good solubility and excellent flocculation effect. Can be used for activated sludge dewatering. The pH range used is 6 to 11, and the optimum pH range is 6 to 8.4. The usual dosage is 5-100 mg/L. The flocs formed are coarse, the sedimentation speed is fast, and it is not affected by temperature. It is used to treat wastewater with high turbidity, and the effect is more significant. The corrosiveness of Iron chloride hexahydrate is stronger than that of ferrous sulfate, and the dosing equipment needs to be treated with anticorrosion.
When it dissolves in water, it produces hydrogen chloride gas, which pollutes the surrounding environment. In addition, Iron chloride hexahydrate can also be used as a waterproofing agent, a corrosive agent for printing and plate making, an oxidant and mordant in the dye industry, a catalyst for organic synthesis, and the manufacture of other iron salts. It can be used as etchant, catalyst, mordant, oxidant, chlorinating agent, condensing agent, disinfectant, hemostatic agent, feed additive, water purifying agent and analytical reagent, etc. Iron chloride hexahydrate is used in nutritional supplements (iron fortifiers). For infant milk powder, weaning food, etc.
Purification Methods
An aqueous solution, saturated with the salt at room temperature, is cooled to -20o for several hours. Separation of the crystals is slow, even with scratching and seeding, and it is generally necessary to stir this overnight. The presence of free HCl retards crystallisation. [Linke J Phys Chem 60 91 1956].
