HCl + Fe(OH)3 is the expression of the chemical reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and Ferric Hydroxide (Fe(OH)3). Let us derive the facts about this reaction below:
HCl is a strong acid, which is colourless, corrosive and non-flammable in gaseous state. Addition of this strong acid into weak base Fe(OH)3, which is colourless as well neutralises the solution which is a perfect example of acid-base reaction.
Let us see some facts about the solution HCl + Fe(OH)3 including the type of reaction, intermolecular forces between the elements, enthalpy and others throughout this article below.
What is the product of HCl and Fe(OH)3?
The products of HCl + Fe(OH)3 are found to be FeCl3 (Ferric chloride) and H2O (Water).
What type of reaction is HCl + Fe(OH)3?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 reaction is called a Neutralisation Reaction where the acid, HCl and base, Fe(OH)3 react with each other by balancing the pH level of the solution and produces neutral Ferric chloride.
How to balance HCl + Fe(OH)3?
The balance in the reaction between HCl and Fe(OH)3 is designed with step-by-step description.
- Step 1: To calculate the number of elements on both sides of the equation. So in the equation, 4 H, 1 Cl, 1 Fe, and 3 o are present in reactants. In products 1 Fe, 3 Cl, 2 H, and 1 O atoms are present. The equation is as follows-
- HCl + Fe(OH)3 → FeCl3 + H2O
- Step 2: Second attempt by multiplying required numbers with reactants as per products
- 3HCl + Fe(OH)3 → FeCl3 + H2O
- Step 3: Multiplying the number before the compounds
- 3HCl + Fe(OH)3 → FeCl3 + 3H2O
- Step 4: Writing the final balanced equation
- 3HCl + Fe(OH)3 → FeCl3 + 3H2O
HCl + Fe(OH)3 titration
Titration is take place between the solution of HCl and Fe(OH)3 in a specific amount. This titration reveals that 35.94 ml of HCL Solution is sufficient to neutralise 18.62 ml of Fe(OH)3 Solution. The process of titration is as follows:
Used apparatus
Conical flask, burette, burette holder, pipette, beakers and volumetric flask.
Titrant and titre
Here the titrant is HCL and titre is Fe(OH)3.
Indicator
The indicator used in the titration of this kind of acid-base solution is Na2CO3.10H2O.
Procedure
HCl is taken in the burette by taking it through a pipette. The Fe(OH)3 solution is taken the conical flask and placed below the burette. Now, HCl is added in Fe(OH)3 drop wise and the Fe(OH)3 solution starts changing color from colorless to reddish brown at a certain point which is taken for calculation.
HCl + Fe(OH)3 net ionic equation
The net ionic equation of the reaction between HCl and Fe(OH)3 is as follows: 3HCl (aq) + Fe(OH)3 (s)→ FeCl3 (aq) + 3H2O (l).
HCl + Fe(OH)3 conjugate pairs
The conjugate pairs of individual reactant HCl are H+ (Conjugate acid) and Cl– (Conjugate base). Besides, OH– is the conjugate base of Fe3+ in Fe(OH)3. HCl and Fe(OH)3 are not considered as conjugate pairs as they do not make conjugation with each other to form a new product.
HCl and Fe(OH)3 intermolecular forces
Intermolecular force between H and Cl in HCl is as weak as intermolecular force between Fe and OH– ion. This is why HCl leaves proton (H+) easily and Cl– ion creates a bond with Fe getting a stronger intermolecular attraction force.
HCl + Fe(OH)3 reaction enthalpy
Enthalpy of the reaction is calculated as nearer to 2221 KJ/mol by following the formula: Enthalpy = (bond energy of H-Cl) – (lattice energy of Fe(OH)2)
- Bond energy of H-Cl = 432 KJ/mol
- Bond energy of Fe(OH)3 = 2653 KJ/mol
- Enthalpy of the reaction HCl + Fe(OH)2 = (432 – 2653) = – 2221 KJ/mol
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 a buffer solution?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 is not a buffer solution as Fe(OH)3 is not the conjugate base of HCl. They do not pair with each other to make a neutral compound as product.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 a complete reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 is a complete reaction as it produces reliable and expected products by neutralizing each other.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 an exothermic or endothermic reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 is an Exothermic reaction as the enthalpy of the reaction is negative which means the reaction gives out heat energy instead of taking it from outer surroundings.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 a redox reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 can be considered a redox reaction as HCl leaves proton (H+) which refers to oxidation and Ferric hydroxide leaves OH- ion which refers to a reduction reaction. Both happen together in one single reaction therefore, it might be a redox reaction.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 a precipitation reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 can be called as a precipitation reaction where the precipitation of Ferric chloride is found to dominate the overall reaction actively. A reddish-brown colour precipitation is found to take place in the product solution.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 reversible or irreversible reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 is clearly an irreversible reaction where the products ferric chloride and water molecules do not react with each other to produce the reactant Hydrochloric acid and Ferric hydroxide again. No backward reaction refers it as an irreversible reaction.
Is HCl + Fe(OH)3 displacement reaction?
HCl + Fe(OH)3 might be called a double displacement reaction as hydroxyl ions from Ferric hydroxide gets a displacement to HCl by removing Cl– ions from Hydrochloric acid. That reduced Cl– ions get addition with iron remaining after leaving OH– ions.
Conclusion
This article has successfully found the unique reaction between Hydrochloric acid and Ferric hydroxide. This reaction follows the general rule of acid base reaction where they gives out metal chloride and water molecules.
Read more facts on HCl:
Hi…..I am Sarnali Mukherjee, a graduate from the University of Calcutta. I love to teach and share knowledge on chemistry. I have gradually gained interest in article writing since one year ago. I would love to acquire more knowledge on my subject in the future.
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