Which of the following represents the correct products of the reaction: FeCl_3 + 3NH_4OH → ?

• A. Fe(OH)_2 + NH_4Cl
• B. Fe(OH)_3 + 3NH_4Cl
• C. FeNH_4 + 3HClO
• D. FeCl_2 + NH_4OH

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants: FeCl_3 (ferric chloride) and NH_4OH (ammonium hydroxide). Recognize that FeCl_3 is a salt of Fe^{3+} and Cl^{-}, and NH_4OH is a weak base that can provide OH^{-} ions in solution.
2. Determine the type of reaction: This is a double displacement (metathesis) reaction where Fe^{3+} will react with OH^{-} to form an insoluble hydroxide precipitate, and NH_4^{+} will pair with Cl^{-} to form ammonium chloride in solution.
3. Write the balanced ionic equation for the formation of the iron hydroxide precipitate: Fe^{3+} + 3OH^{-} → Fe(OH)_3 (solid precipitate).
4. Combine the ions to write the full molecular equation: FeCl_3 + 3NH_4OH → Fe(OH)_3 + 3NH_4Cl. This shows the formation of iron(III) hydroxide and ammonium chloride.
5. Confirm the stoichiometry and charges are balanced: 1 Fe^{3+} reacts with 3 OH^{-} to form Fe(OH)_3, and 3 NH_4^{+} react with 3 Cl^{-} to form 3 NH_4Cl molecules, ensuring the equation is balanced.