Question

When $HCl$ reacts with finely powdered iron, it forms ferrous chloride and not ferric chloride. Why?

Answer 1

Reaction of $HCl$ reacts with finely powdered iron

When $HCl$ reacts with finely powdered iron, it forms ferrous chloride $\left(FeC{l}_2\right)$ not ferric chloride $\left(FeC{l}_3\right)$ because along with $FeC{l}_2$ hydrogen gas also liberates which prevents the formation of $FeC{l}_3$.

Involved reaction:

$Fe+2HCl\to FeC{l}_2+H_2$

Hence, $HCl$ reacts with finely powdered iron, it forms ferrous chloride and not ferric chloride