Aluminum fluoride

Aluminum fluoride (CAS 7784-18-1), also sold as aluminum trifluoride, is an inorganic salt used primarily as a flux and electrolyte modifier in aluminum smelting and as a catalyst or catalyst precursor. Its ability to lower the melting point of alumina-cryolite baths makes it a critical process chemical in primary aluminum production. In aluminum smelting, it is added to the Hall-Héroult electrolytic bath.

This addition helps to control the bath ratio and improve current efficiency, directly impacting metal yield and energy consumption. In plastics and polymer manufacturing, it functions as a flame retardant additive. It helps compounded materials meet fire resistance specifications for wire and cable, construction profiles, and automotive components. As a catalyst or catalyst precursor, it supports fluorination and isomerization.

These reactions are essential in petrochemical and specialty chemical production. It also sees use as a preservative in fermentation control, where it inhibits enzymatic activity in brewing and fermentation processes. Aluminum fluoride is available as a white crystalline powder or granules, with anhydrous and trihydrate forms both present in the market. Standard supply grades include technical grade for metallurgical applications.

Bulk supply is common for smelter-scale procurement, with smaller packaging available for catalyst and specialty chemical applications. This ensures flexibility for various industrial and laboratory requirements.