Iron(III) bromide

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Iron(III) bromide
IUPAC name Iron(III) bromide
Other names Ferric bromide
Iron tribromide
Identifiers
CAS number [10031-26-2]
Properties
Molecular formula FeBr3
Molar mass 295.56 g/mol
Appearance brown solid
Density 4.50 g cm−3
Melting point

200 °C (decomposes)

Hazards
Main hazards corrosive
R-phrases 36/37/38
S-phrases 26-37/39
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Iron(III) bromide is the chemical compound with the formula FeBr3. Also known as ferric bromide, this red-brown compound is used as a Lewis acid catalyst in the halogenation of aromatic compounds. It reacts with water to give acidic solutions.

[edit] Structure, synthesis and basic properties

FeBr3 forms a polymeric structure featuring six-coordinate, octahedral Fe centers.[1] Although inexpensively available commercially, FeBr3 can be prepared by treatment of iron metal with bromine:

2 Fe + 3 Br2 → 2 FeBr3

Above 200 °C, FeBr3 decomposes to ferrous bromide:

FeBr3 → FeBr2 + 0.5 Br2

FeCl3 is considerably more stable, reflecting the greater oxidizing power of chlorine. And, following conventional trends, FeI3 is less stable than the tribromide.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, E. "Inorganic Chemistry" Academic Press: San Diego, 2001. ISBN 0-12-352651-5.

[edit] External links


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