The aqueous solution of `FeCl_3` is

Options

A. acidic
B. alkaline
C. neutral
D. either acidic or basic depending upon concentration.

Answer

To determine the nature of the aqueous solution of `FeCl_3`, we will analyze the hydrolysis reaction that occurs when `FeCl_3` is dissolved in water.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Dissociation of `FeCl_3`:**
When `FeCl_3` is dissolved in water, it dissociates into its ions:
\[ FeCl_3 (aq) \rightarrow Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3Cl^{-} (aq) \]

2. **Hydrolysis of `Fe^{3+}` Ion:**
The `Fe^{3+}` ion is a cation that can undergo hydrolysis in water. This means it can react with water to form ferric hydroxide and release hydrogen ions:
\[ Fe^{3+} (aq) + 3H_2O (l) \rightleftharpoons Fe(OH)_3 (s) + 3H^+ (aq) \]
Here, `Fe(OH)_3` is a precipitate (red in color), and `H^+` ions contribute to the acidity of the solution.

3. **Formation of Hydrochloric Acid:**
The `Cl^{-}` ions are the conjugate base of a strong acid (HCl) and do not affect the acidity of the solution significantly. However, since `FeCl_3` is a salt derived from a strong acid (HCl) and a weak base (Fe(OH)3), the overall solution will be acidic.

4. **Conclusion:**
The presence of `H^+` ions from the hydrolysis of `Fe^{3+}` leads to the conclusion that the aqueous solution of `FeCl_3` is acidic.

### Final Answer:
The aqueous solution of `FeCl_3` is acidic.

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