Aluminium chloride

Aluminium chloride (CAS 7446-70-0, EC 231-208-1, formula AlCl3) is an inorganic salt also known as aluminum trichloride or trichloroaluminum. It carries no assigned E-code and is not classified as a food additive. It is supplied under HS code 28273200.

In water treatment, aluminium chloride acts as a coagulant by hydrolyzing to form positively charged aluminium hydroxide flocs that bind suspended particles and colloids for removal. In petrochemical refining and pharmaceutical synthesis, it functions as a Lewis acid catalyst, accepting electron pairs to drive Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions. It also serves as an antimicrobial agent in textile and leather processing.

Aluminium chloride is available in anhydrous and hexahydrate grades, supplied as powder, granules, or solution. Anhydrous material is handled under REACH registration and requires moisture-controlled packaging due to its reactivity with water. Technical and reagent-grade specifications are available depending on application requirements.