Question

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Anhydrous iron(III) chloride is prepared by:

1) direct combination

2) simple displacement

3) decomposition

4) neutralization

Answer 1

Direct combination

Anhydrous FeCl₃ cannot be prepared by simply heating hydrated ferric chloride FeCl₃.6H₂O, because, on heating, FeCl₃.6H₂O produces Fe₂O₃, H₂O, and HCl.

2[FeCl₃.6H₂O]  Fe₂O₃ + 9H₂O + 6HCl

Direct combination of elements means heating two elements together

Metal  + Nonmetal → Salt (Soluble / Insoluble)

2Fe    +    3Cl₂        →   2FeCl₃