Why Fe on reaction with HCl gives ferrous chloride and not ferric chloride?

Fe(s) + HCl(aq) ---> FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Balanced: Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) ---> FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

HCl is strong acid and Fecl2 is soluble ionic compund. Both have ions as major species in their solution.These ions replace the compunds in the total ionic equation.

Production:

Hydrated forms of ferrous chloride are generated by treatment of wastes from steel production with hydrochloric acid. Such solutions are designated "spent acid," especially when the hydrochloric acid is not completely consumed:

Fe + 2 HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂

The spent acid requires treatment before its disposal. It is also byproduct from titanium production, since some titanium ores contain iron

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regards

Ramesh