What is iron bromide?

Iron bromide, also known by its chemical formula FeBr3, is an odorless compound with a reddish-brown color. This inorganic compound is also known by the name ferric bromide.

Iron bromide has a deliquescent crystalline structure that decomposes when exposed to heat. Since this chemical compound forms acidic solutions when it reacts with water, iron bromide is considered very corrosive and should be handled carefully during any experimentation. Typically, iron bromide is soluble in water, alcohol and ether. Although this compound is commercially available and used for medicinal purposes, iron bromide can be prepared in a laboratory by treating iron metal with bromine.