Iron(III) chloride, also known as ferric chloride, is a chemical compound with the formula FeCl3. It consists of iron in its +3 oxidation state and chloride ions. This compound appears as a yellow-brown solid and is highly soluble in water, forming a dark brown solution. It is commonly used in water treatment, as a coagulant to remove impurities. In addition to its use in water purification, iron(III) chloride is utilized in various industrial applications, including the production of pigments and as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It can also be found in laboratories for etching metal surfaces in the photographic and electronics industries.