FeCl₃(aq) + 3NH₄OH(aq) → Fe(OH)₃(s) + 3NH₄Cl(aq)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Reactants:
* Ferric chloride (FeCl₃): A soluble ionic compound in water.
* Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH): A weak base that exists in equilibrium with ammonia (NH₃) and water (H₂O).
* Products:
* Ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃): An insoluble solid precipitate that forms.
* Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl): A soluble ionic compound that remains in solution.
Explanation:
This is a double displacement reaction. The positive and negative ions switch partners:
* The iron (Fe³⁺) ions from ferric chloride react with the hydroxide (OH⁻) ions from ammonium hydroxide to form ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃).
* The ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions from ammonium hydroxide react with the chloride (Cl⁻) ions from ferric chloride to form ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl).
Important Note:
Ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)₃) is a reddish-brown precipitate that is often used in the laboratory to test for the presence of iron(III) ions.
