Question

Anhydrous iron (III) chloride is prepared by:
A.Direct combination
B.Simple displacement
C.Decomposition
D.Neutralization

Answer 1

:Hint:Chemical compounds can be prepared using various methods. Some methods are direct while others are indirect. The direct processes involve the reaction of the elements for the production of the required compound. Indirect processes involve the production of the required compound by treating other compounds and reagents.

Complete answer:
We must first understand the reactions given in the question to find out the method for the preparation of anhydrous iron (III) chloride.
Direct combination is the process in which the constituent elements of the required compound are treated together for the formation of the compound. An example is the combustion of hydrogen or in other words direct reaction of hydrogen gas with oxygen gas to produce water.
Simple displacement reaction is a reaction in which one element replaces another element from its existing compound to form a new compound. For example iron replaces or displaces copper from copper sulphate to produce a new chemical compound iron sulphate.
Decomposition reaction is the reaction in which a single compound breaks into two or more elements or compounds depending upon its structure. Decomposition occurs when energy is provided to the compound to break an existing bond.
Neutralization reaction is the reaction occurring between an acid and a base to produce salt and water.
Iron (III) chloride or ferric chloride is produced by the direct combination of iron metal with dry chlorine gas.
$2Fe(s) + 3C{l_2}(g)\xrightarrow[{Dry}]{\Delta }2FeC{l_3}$

Thus, the correct answer is A.
Note:
Anhydrous salts are generally prepared by decomposition reactions of hydrated salts. But this is not the case for ferric chloride. When hydrated ferric chloride is heated, it does not simply undergo loss of water molecules. Instead it forms ferric oxide.
$FeC{l_3}.6{H_2}O\xrightarrow[{}]{\Delta }F{e_2}{O_3} + {H_2}O + HCl$