Iron(III) bromide

Iron(III) bromide

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Names
IUPAC name Iron(III) bromide
Other names Ferric bromide Iron tribromide tribromoiron
Identifiers
CAS Number	10031-26-2 Y
ChemSpider	23830 N
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	25554
InChI InChI=1S/3BrH.Fe/h3*1H;/q;;;+3/p-3 N Key: FEONEKOZSGPOFN-UHFFFAOYSA-K N InChI=1/3BrH.Fe/h3*1H;/q;;;+3/p-3 Key: FEONEKOZSGPOFN-DFZHHIFOAP
SMILES [Fe](Br)(Br)Br
Properties
Chemical formula	FeBr3
Molar mass	295.56 g mol−1
Appearance	brown solid
Odor	odorless
Density	4.50 g cm−3
Melting point	200 °C (392 °F; 473 K) (decomposes)
Structure
Crystal structure	Trigonal, hR24
Space group	R-3, No. 148
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

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

Structure, synthesis and basic properties

FeBr₃ forms a polymeric structure featuring six-coordinate, octahedral Fe centers. 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:

2FeBr₃ → 2FeBr₂ + Br₂

Iron(III) chloride is considerably more stable, reflecting the greater oxidizing power of chlorine. FeI₃ is not stable, as iron(III) will oxidize iodide ions.

See also

• Iron(II) bromide, the lower bromide of iron