Aluminium Chloride

About Aluminium Chloride

Chemical Formula AlCl

Molar Mass 13334 gmol

Appearance Aluminum chloride typically exists as a white to pale yellow crystalline solid

Odor It has a sharp irritating odor

Density The density of solid aluminum chloride is approximately 248 gcm

Melting Point Aluminum chloride melts at around 1924C 3783F

Boiling Point It typically boils at around 180C 356F under atmospheric pressure though it can decompose before reaching its boiling point

Solubility Aluminum chloride is highly soluble in water ethanol and other polar solvents

Stability It is hygroscopic and tends to form hydrated forms in moist air Anhydrous aluminum chloride is highly reactive and must be handled with care to avoid contact with water or moisture

Chemical Properties Aluminum chloride is a Lewis acid meaning it can accept electron pairs from Lewis bases It is extensively used as a catalyst in various organic reactions such as FriedelCrafts acylation and alkylation It also finds applications in polymerization reactions and as a coagulant in water treatment processes

Purity Commercial grades of aluminum chloride can vary in purity typically ranging from 95 to 999 purity Highpurity grades are often required for specific applications especially in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries

Handling and Storage Due to its reactivity with moisture aluminum chloride should be stored in tightly sealed containers in a dry environment It should be handled with appropriate precautions including wearing protective gloves and eyewear and avoiding inhalation of dust or vapors

These specifications may vary depending on the grade and intended use of the aluminum chloride Its important to refer to the specific product documentation and safety data sheets provided by the manufacturer for precise information

Aluminium Chloride 

Aluminum chloride AlCl is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of aluminum salts It is a white or yellowish solid that readily absorbs moisture from the air and forms a white powder often with a strong odor due to hydrolysis Here are some key points about aluminum chloride

Chemical Formula AlCl

Physical Properties

Solid at room temperature

Forms white crystals

Has a low melting point

Hygroscopic Nature Aluminum chloride is highly hygroscopic meaning it readily absorbs water from the atmosphere This property makes handling anhydrous aluminum chloride challenging

Solubility It is soluble in many organic solvents but its solubility in water is limited In water it undergoes hydrolysis to form various species such as AlHO

Uses

Catalyst Aluminum chloride is widely used as a catalyst in organic synthesis particularly in FriedelCrafts reactions

Water Treatment It is used in water treatment processes for removing impurities

Antiperspirants Some aluminum chloride compounds are used in antiperspirant products

Electrolyte Anhydrous aluminum chloride is used as an electrolyte in the production of aluminum metal

FriedelCrafts Reactions One of its most important applications is in the FriedelCrafts alkylation and acylation reactions in organic chemistry where it serves as a Lewis acid catalyst

Safety Considerations Anhydrous aluminum chloride can be corrosive and poses inhalation hazards It should be handled with care and appropriate safety precautions should be taken

Hydrated Forms Aluminum chloride exists in various hydrated forms such as the hexahydrate AlCl6HO and the basic chloride AlOHCl

Its important to note that while anhydrous aluminum chloride is commonly used in chemical synthesis its hygroscopic nature requires careful handling to avoid unwanted reactions with water The hydrated forms are more stable and less reactive in this regard