Question

when HCL reacts with finely powdered iron it forms ferrous Chloride and not ferric chloride. why?

Answer 1

HCl does not form ferric chloride because of production of hydrogen gas which is a reducing agent and it limits the production of ferric chloride.

Hope it helps!

Answer 2

Answer:

Reaction of HCl with finely powdered Iron results in formation of Ferrous chloride (FeCl₂) and not Ferric chloride (FeCl₃) as Fe²⁺in FeCl₂ is more easily formed as compared to Fe³⁺ required for formation of FeCl3.

Explanation:

• Reaction of HCl with Iron is a displacement reaction

        Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂

• Ferrous or Fe(II) compounds are readily formed as the 3rd ionization energy i.e. energy required to make Ferric or Fe(III) ion (to remove 3rd electron) is much more as compared to that required to remove 2 electrons to form Ferrous or Fe(II) compounds.
• Although Fe(III) is more stable as compared to Fe(II) bit extra energy is required to take out the 3rd electron to make Fe(III) compounds. It can be done in presence of a catalyst or oxidant like oxygen or H₂O₂.