Iron(III) bromide

Structure, synthesis and basic properties

FeBr₃ forms a polymeric structure featuring six-coordinate, octahedral Fe centers. Although inexpensively available commercially, FeBr₃ can be prepared by treatment of iron metal with bromine:

2 Fe + 3 Br₂ → 2 FeBr₃

Above 200 °C, FeBr₃ decomposes to ferrous bromide:

2FeBr₃ → 2FeBr₂ + Br₂

Iron(III) chloride is considerably more stable, reflecting the greater oxidizing power of chlorine. FeI₃ is not stable, as iron(III) will oxidize iodide ions.