Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃) – Overview, Applications, and Safety

Aluminum Chloride, commonly known as AlCl₃, is a versatile and powerful Lewis acid used across a variety of chemical, industrial, and commercial applications. It is best known for its role as a catalyst in organic reactions, particularly in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation processes. This compound is available in both anhydrous and hydrated forms.

Chemical Details

• Chemical Name: Aluminum Chloride

• Formula: AlCl₃ (anhydrous), AlCl₃·6H₂O (hexahydrate)

• Molecular Weight:

  • Anhydrous: 133.34 g/mol

  • Hydrated: 241.43 g/mol

• CAS Number:

  • Anhydrous: 7446-70-0

  • Hydrate: 7784-13-6

• Physical Form:

  • Anhydrous: White to yellowish, fuming solid

  • Hydrated: White crystalline powder

• Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, and chloroform

Key Characteristics

• Strong Lewis acid – excellent for electron pair acceptance

• Hygroscopic – readily absorbs moisture from the air

• Reacts with water – particularly violent with the anhydrous form

• Fumes in moist air – forming hydrochloric acid mist

Primary Applications

1. Chemical Industry

• Catalyst for organic synthesis such as Friedel–Crafts reactions

• Used in polymerization and isomerization processes in the petrochemical industry

• Intermediate in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pigments

2. Petrochemical Processing

• Acts as a catalyst in the production of lubricants and synthetic rubber

• Used in cracking and reforming reactions

3. Consumer Products

• The hexahydrate form is used in antiperspirants and deodorants

• Also used in certain dyeing processes in the textile industry

4. Research and Laboratory Work

• Used as a reactive Lewis acid in academic and industrial labs

• Essential for the chlorination and alkylation of aromatic rings

Handling & Storage Guidelines

• Store in air-tight containers, preferably under a dry, inert atmosphere

• Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and lab coat during handling

• Avoid contact with water, bases, alcohols, and oxidizers

• Always handle anhydrous aluminum chloride in a fume hood due to corrosive fumes

Safety & Environmental Concerns

• Highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes

• Reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen chloride gas

• Harmful if inhaled; may cause burns on contact

• Toxic to aquatic environments — avoid environmental release

Dispose of aluminum chloride according to local hazardous waste regulations. Refer to your local MSDS or SDS for detailed handling and first-aid instructions.

Conclusion

Aluminum Chloride is a key compound in both academic and industrial chemistry. Its strong acidic and catalytic properties make it essential in synthesis, refining, and manufacturing applications. While highly effective, it requires careful handling and controlled storage to ensure safety and maintain its chemical stability.

Contact Us

Phone : +49 1512 4714765 ( Germany )
Phone : +1 (702) 381-3042 ( USA )
Email : [email protected]
Address : Cunostraße 56, 14193 Berlin. Germany
Address : 7373 Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33610, United States.