Chemical

Iron(III) chloride

CAS 7705-08-0 · EC 231-729-4 · Cl3Fe

Also known as ferric chloride, iron trichloride, perchloride of iron

The ECHA record is for the substance itself. Etchant is used as a solution, and supplier safety data sheets classify solutions by strength: Loba Chemie's 10% Fe solution is H302, H315, H318, and Alliance Chemical's 20% solution lists H290, H302, H314, H315, H318 and H412. Check the safety data sheet for the product you buy.

Signal word: Danger
CAS: 7705-08-0
EC number: 231-729-4
UK/EU status: No UK or EU restrictions recorded

Handle chemistry safely

Wear gloves and eye protection, work with good ventilation, and read the supplier’s safety data sheet before use. Hazard information here is a summary, not a replacement for it. Dispose of all photographic chemistry correctly, in line with local laws and your local authority’s guidance. Never mix waste solutions, and check the supplier’s safety data sheet before disposing of anything.

Hazards

No official EU classification. Shown is the classification agreed by companies registering it under REACH.

REACH registrants' classes: Met. Corr. 1 (H290); Acute Tox. 4 (Oral) (H302); Skin Irrit. 2 (H315); Eye Dam. 1 (H318). Most notifications (63.37%) classify it more strictly: Acute Tox. 4 (Oral) (H302) and Skin Corr. 1B (H314), signal word Danger. Treat ferric chloride as corrosive and check the supplier SDS.

Most suppliers classify this more strictly

63.37% of notifications to ECHA classify it as H302 (Harmful if swallowed.); H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.), with the signal word Danger. Handle it to that standard and follow your supplier's safety data sheet.

Signal word: Danger

Corrosive · Harmful or irritant

Code	Hazard statement
H290	May be corrosive to metals.
H302	Harmful if swallowed.
H315	Causes skin irritation.
H318	Causes serious eye damage.

Photographic uses

copper plate etchant for photogravure
printed-circuit photoresist etching (Canducci's simplified gravure route)