Reviving ferric chloride?

[Phillip Patton]

I was wondering, since the active ingredient in ferric chloride is hydrochloric acid, could worn out ferric chloride be rejuvenated by adding some Hcl?

 

[fitzo]

Short answer, Phillip, yes. Easy on the HCl; it won't need a whole lot if it's brick-cleaning "muriatic acid" from the store. Other things have occured chemically, too, so it won't be exactly the same, but close enough. Even a little vinegar will change performance some in a pinch. Sometimes just getting rid of sediment and adding a little fresh distilled water can help.

If you are not familiar with keeping HCl, be careful where you store it. Once you crack the bottle open the first time, it will slowly let HCl gas escape and rust the snot out of everything around it. Plastic bottles from the hardware store are the worst. They are difficult to get sealed well again.

Gloves and a face shield are recommended safety apparel when handling strong acids.

 

[Phillip Patton]

Thanks Mike! I will try it sometime...
I'm somewhat familiar with muriatic acid. I've used it to blow up a lot of soda pop bottles.