This equation describes the reaction process between Iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to produce Iron (III) chloride (FeCl3) and water (H2O).
- Reaction conditions
For the reaction to occur, sufficient quantities of both reactants: Fe2O3 and HCl are required. Besides, the reaction is usually carried out at room temperature or slightly higher to facilitate the reaction process.
- Reaction process
During the reaction process, the two iron atoms in Fe2O3 will react with the six chlorine atoms in HCl to form two molecules of Iron (III) chloride. The remaining three hydrogen atoms and three oxygen atoms from HCl and Fe2O3 will combine to form three water molecules.
- Ongoing phenomena
Throughout the reaction process, the reddish-brown Iron (III) oxide will gradually disappear to be replaced by the formation of pale yellow Iron (III) chloride and water. If the reaction is performed in a solution, you might also notice the color change of the solution from the reddish-brown of Fe2O3 to the pale yellow of FeCl3.