4018. Ferric Bromide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 10031-26-2
Br3Fe; mol wt 295.56.
Br 81.10%, Fe 18.89%.
FeBr3.

Description and references

Prepn from Fe and Br2: Gregory, Thackrey, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 72, 3176 (1950); Gregory, ibid. 73, 472 (1951); from Fe2(SO4)3 and LiBr: Lieser, Elias, Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 316, 208 (1962).

Properties

Dark-red or black hexagonal, rhombic plates. Very hygroscopic. Loses some Br2 on exposure to air and light. Sol in water, alcohol, ether, acetic acid; slightly sol in liquid NH3; aq soln dec to FeBr2 + Br2 on boiling. Keep cool, well-closed and protected from light.

Caution

Irritant.

Use

Catalyst for organic reactions, particularly in bromination of aromatic compds.