Iron(III) Chloride overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is FeCl₃. A simple three-bond sketch cannot apply the main-group octet rule to iron; FeCl₃ requires transition-metal and solid-state bonding concepts.
How to draw FeCl₃
- Count 29 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity FeCl₃. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. A simple three-bond sketch cannot apply the main-group octet rule to iron; FeCl₃ requires transition-metal and solid-state bonding concepts.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Coordination and phase dependent.
Why this example matters
A simple three-bond sketch cannot apply the main-group octet rule to iron; FeCl₃ requires transition-metal and solid-state bonding concepts.
Scope and model limits
The page provides electron bookkeeping and a labeled connectivity model only. It is not a complete molecular-orbital, ionic-lattice or coordination description.
Common mistakes
- Applying the main-group octet rule to Fe
- Calling one trigonal-planar sketch universally correct
- Ignoring the odd total valence-electron count
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.