2 FeCl3 + 2 KI → 2 FeCl2 + I2 + 2 KCl – Balanced equation

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

KI is a reducing agent, FeCl₃ is an oxidizing agent.

Reactants:

• FeCl₃ – Iron(III) chloride , Iron trichloride
  • Other names: {{ubl , Ferric chloride , Ferric chloride (anhydrous)
  • Appearance: Green-black by reflected light; purple-red by transmitted light; yellow solid as hexahydrate; brown as {{abbr|aq.|aqueous}} solution ; Black-to-brown hygroscopic crystals
• KI
  • Names: Potassium iodide , KI , Thyrosafe

Products:

• FeCl₂ – Iron(II) chloride , Iron dichloride
  • Other names: Ferrous chloride , Rokühnite , [FeCl3] , FeCl3
  • Appearance: Tan solid (anhydrous) | Pale green solid (di-tetrahydrate) ; White-to-light-green hygroscopic crystals
• I₂
  • Names: Iodine , Jod , Iode
  • Appearance: Bluish black or dark purple crystals with pungent odour ; Violet solid with a sharp, characteristic odor.
• KCl
  • Names: Potassium chloride , Sylvite , Muriate of potash
  • Appearance: White crystalline solid ; Colourless hygroscopic crystals