Final answer:
The correct empirical formula for iron(III) chloride hydrate is often FeCl₃·6H₂O, a hexahydrate, but the options provided do not list this. The closest match is (D) FeCl₃·5H₂O.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empirical formula of a compound represents the simplest whole-number ratio of the elements within the compound. For iron(III) chloride hydrate, also known as ferric chloride hydrate, the general formula can be expressed as FeCl₃·xH₂O, where 'x' represents the number of water molecules per formula unit of iron(III) chloride. Based on the provided options, the correct empirical formula for iron(III) chloride hydrate is FeCl₃·6H₂O, though this specific option is not listed in the multiple-choice answers provided. Typically, iron(III) chloride hydrates can be found in the hexahydrate form, therefore the closest match among the options is (D) FeCl₃·5H₂O, which has a similar structure but with one less water molecule than the hexahydrate form. It is important to analyze the actual composition of the hydrate through experimental data to determine the exact number of water molecules.