Aluminum chloride
Description
Aluminum chloride anhydrous (CAS 7446-70-0), also known as aluminum trichloride, is a high-activity Lewis acid catalyst and inorganic salt used across chemical synthesis, water treatment, and industrial processing.
Its strong electrophilic character makes it a preferred reagent wherever controlled catalytic activity or coagulation is required at scale. In petrochemical and organic synthesis, it drives Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions.
This chemical forms the basis for producing dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. Water treatment facilities use it as a coagulant to aggregate suspended solids and colloidal matter, improving clarification efficiency.
It is effective in both municipal and industrial effluent systems. The textile and leather industries apply it as a preservative and mordant, fixing dyes to fiber substrates and extending material durability.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it functions as a catalyst intermediate in active ingredient synthesis where precise Lewis acid reactivity is required. This ensures high yields and purity in complex chemical reactions.
Aluminum chloride anhydrous is supplied as a granular or lumpy crystalline solid, with powder forms available for specific process requirements. Standard commercial grades include technical grade for industrial catalysis.
Handling and packaging specifications typically account for its moisture sensitivity. Supply is provided in sealed, inert-atmosphere containers ranging from drum to bulk quantities to maintain product integrity during transport.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 192.6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 182.7 °C @ Press: 752 Torr |
| Density | 2.48 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 88 °C |
| Appearance | Aluminum chloride is a noncombustible but highly reactive whitish-gray, yellow, or green powder or liquid. Strong, acidic, irritating odor like hydrochloric acid |
| Color | Yellow to gray |
| Odor | Hydrogen chloride odor detectable when exposed to moist air |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | reacts |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 100 °C) |
| pH | 2.4 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28273200 |
| UN Number | 3264 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
aluminum trichloride|aluminium chloride|aluminum chloride anhydrous|Aluminium trichloride|AlCl3|Pearsall|Aluminum chloride (AlCl3)
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