UN/NA Number Reference
DOT Class 8 Corrosive placard

UN 1773: Ferric chloride, anhydrous

49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table·ERG 2024

DOT Classification and Shipping

UN 1773 is assigned the proper shipping name Ferric chloride, anhydrous in the U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101). It is classified as a Class 8 Corrosive material, Packing Group III. Required label(s): 8.

Packing group indicates the degree of danger within a hazard class: PG I is high danger, PG II medium, PG III low. The proper shipping name, hazard class, UN number, and packing group together form the basic shipping description that must appear on shipping papers and, where required, on the package and placard.

Emergency Response (ERG Guide 154)

Hazards: TOXIC. Corrosive. Non-combustible but may decompose producing toxic fumes when heated.

Fire: Use agent appropriate for surrounding fire. Cool containers.

Spill: Do not touch. Avoid inhalation. Use water spray to reduce fumes.

Chemical and Physical Properties

Ferric chloride is an orange to brown-black solid. It is slightly soluble in water. It is noncombustible. When wet it is corrosive to aluminum and most metals. Pick up and remove spilled solid before adding water. It is used to treat sewage, industrial waste, to purify water, as an etching agent for engraving circuit boards, and in the manufacture of other chemicals.

CAS Number: 7705-08-0
Molecular Formula: Cl3Fe
Molecular Weight: 162.20 g/mol
Color / Form: Hexagonal red by transmitted light, green by reflected light; sometimes appears brownish-black; dark leaflets or plates.
Boiling Point: 599 F
Melting Point: 583 °F (NTP, 1992)
Specific Gravity: 2.8 (sinks in water)
Vapor Pressure: 1 mmHg at 381 F
Water Solubility: 5 to 10 mg/mL at 68 F

Regulatory Data

CERCLA RQ (40 CFR 302.4)
1000 lb

A release of this material at or above its CERCLA reportable quantity (1000 lb) requires immediate notification to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Special Provisions

49 CFR 172.102 special provision codes for this entry: IB8, IP3, T1, TP33. These codes modify the general requirements (packaging, quantity limits, exceptions) for this specific material. Look up each code in 49 CFR 172.102 for the full text.

Need the full interactive record? Open UN 1773 in the SpillNerd lookup tool for the live database entry with placard graphics, GHS pictograms, full segregation tables, and synonym search. For another material, use the UN number and chemical lookup.

Reference data compiled from the DOT Hazardous Materials Table (49 CFR 172.101), the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook, and public chemical databases (PubChem, NIOSH, EPA). Always verify the correct shipping description against the current regulation and the manufacturer's SDS Section 14 before shipping.