Ferric Chloride (Iron(III) Chloride, FeCl₃) is a dark brown to black crystalline solid or liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It is widely used as a coagulant in water and wastewater treatment, especially for removing suspended solids and phosphates. It is also used in etching for printed circuit boards, metallurgy, dye production, and industrial wastewater treatment. Ferric chloride reacts with water to form ferric hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, making it highly effective for clarification and phosphate precipitation.