[joe900]

Does Br- + Fe3+ => Br2 + Fe2+ occur?
Br- => Br2 + 2e- has a reduction potential of -1.06 (unlikely to happen) and Fe3+ + e- => Fe2+ has a reduction potential of +0.77. So it means there is not enough potential to drive the oxidation, am I right ?

And the second question - is this structure right?
http://www.weloveshopping.com/shop/plantmedia/F0044.jpg

http://www.lookchem.com/UserFilesUpload/26(7).jpg

Thanks.

[john13579]

For the first part of you question: No this reaction does not happen for the reason you stated. It can however happen at elevated temperatures driven by the entropy of bromine formation. Ferric chloride decomposes to ferrous chloride and bromine at 200C.