Ferric chloride is a chemical compound with the formula FeCl3. It appears as a dark brown or yellowish solid and is highly soluble in water. This compound is commonly used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and in the production of pigments and dyes. In addition to its industrial applications, ferric chloride is also utilized in laboratories for various chemical reactions. It can act as a catalyst and is often used in the etching of metals, particularly in the electronics industry for creating printed circuit boards.