Ferric chloride is a dark colour crystal with the oxidation state of iron being +3. It is also called Iron (III) chloride or Molysite.It is an iron coordination entity which functions as an astringent and Lewis acid. The chemical formula of Ferric Chloride is FeCl₃.Molysite solution is colourless to light brown and has a faint hydrochloric acid smell. 

It is corrosive to most metals and tissues. It is non-combustible and is widely used in water purification and sewage treatment.In its anhydrous form, it is deliquescent. Also, partial hydrolysis takes place as it absorbs water from the air and liberates hydrogen chloride that forms mists in moist air. It is a strong Lewis acid.

Properties of Ferric chloride

Chemical Formula : FeCl₃

Molecular Weight : 162.204 g/mol (anhydrous)

Density : 2.90 g/cm³ (anhydrous)

Melting Point : 307.6 °C

Boiling Point : 316 °C

Uses of Ferric chloride

Ferric Chloride is used in organic synthesis as a catalyst.

It is used to treat over-cropping of animal claws especially when the over-cropping leads to bleeding.

It is used as a drying reagent in some reactions in its anhydrous form.

It has wide applications in energy storage systems.