Aluminium Chloride Anhydrous Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Aluminium Chloride Anhydrous Extra Pure is a high-purity, white to yellowish crystalline compound that is highly hygroscopic and fuming in moist air. It is extensively used in laboratory chemistry as a powerful Lewis acid catalyst, particularly in Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, as well as in the synthesis of organometallic compounds. Its anhydrous form ensures optimal reactivity and effectiveness in moisture-sensitive processes, including polymerization and halogenation studies. Due to its corrosive nature and tendency to react violently with water, it must be handled in a dry, controlled environment using proper safety measures. This extra pure grade is ideal for high-precision analytical and preparative procedures in organic and inorganic chemistry research.
USES
Primary Uses
- Catalyst in Organic Synthesis
- Key Lewis acid in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions; essential in advanced organic chemistry labs.
- Reagent in Inorganic Chemistry
- Participates in coordination compound formation and serves in studying halide reactivity.
- Moisture-Sensitive Reaction Studies
- Ideal for dry, anhydrous conditions to explore moisture-sensitive synthesis or decomposition reactions.
- Educational Demonstrations of Lewis Acids
- Used to illustrate concepts of electrophilic activation, electron pair acceptance, and catalyst regeneration.
- Gas Absorption and Complexation Studies
- Interacts with ammonia, hydrogen chloride, and ethers in lab studies of acid-base and complex-forming behavior.
Secondary Uses
- Preparation of Aluminum-Based Compounds
- Used as a precursor in synthesizing other anhydrous aluminum salts or organoaluminum compounds.
- Research in Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents
- Forms part of advanced solvent systems for electrochemistry or green chemistry research.
- Reagent for Etching and Surface Modification
- In experimental metal etching or surface preparation, especially in material science labs.
- Study of Hygroscopic and Exothermic Reactions
- Demonstrates vigorous water-reactivity and heat release; ideal for thermodynamic and kinetic experiments.
- Gas Phase Reaction Investigations
Used in lab-scale vapor-phase chlorination or synthesis involving volatile chlorides.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Aluminium Chloride (IUPAC: Aluminium trichloride, anhydrous)
- CAS Number: 7446-70-0
- HS Code: 28273000
- Molecular Formula: AlCl₃
- Synonyms:
- Anhydrous aluminium chloride
- Aluminium trichloride
- Trichloroaluminium
- AlCl₃ (anhydrous form only)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline powder or lumps)
- Color & Odor: White to yellowish crystalline solid; pungent, acidic odor (hydrogen chloride-like in moist air)
- Boiling Point: ~180°C (sublimes)
- Melting Point: ~192.6°C
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.44 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Water: Reacts violently, hydrolyzes to form hydrochloric acid and aluminium hydroxide
- Organic Solvents: Soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons, benzene, nitrobenzene, and ether
- pH Level: Strongly acidic when hydrolyzed
- Vapor Pressure: High (sublimates easily at room temperature)
- Volatility: Sublimes readily; corrosive vapors
- Flash Point: Not flammable but releases flammable hydrogen chloride gas on contact with water
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Corrosive (Skin & Eye Damage, Category 1)
- Acute Toxicity (Category 4, inhalation and ingestion)
- Reacts violently with water
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 2
- Exposure Limits:
- No OSHA PEL for AlCl₃
- ACGIH TLV (as soluble aluminium salts): 2 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
- Reactivity:
- Reacts exothermically and violently with water and moist air
- Reacts with alcohols, amines, bases, and oxidizers
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store under dry, inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon)
- Keep tightly sealed in moisture-proof containers
- Incompatible Materials:
- Water/moisture, alcohols, strong oxidizers, bases
- Container Type:
- Amber-glass bottles with PTFE-lined caps or sealed metal containers
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- 1–2 years if stored anhydrously in sealed conditions
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use in a glove box or under fume hood
- Full PPE including gloves, goggles, lab coat, and face protection when handling powders
- Avoid contact with water or moisture in any form
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA, REACH, and other chemical inventories
- Controlled for handling and disposal in research institutions
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN1726
- Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
- Packing Group: II
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Neutralize under controlled conditions with dilute base
- Dispose of as hazardous corrosive waste in accordance with institutional and EPA/RCRA guidelines
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Harmful to aquatic organisms in concentrated forms
- Highly acidic runoff can alter water pH
- Persistence in Environment:
- Reacts and hydrolyzes quickly; not environmentally persistent
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC or NTP
- Biodegradability:
- Not biodegradable, but readily degrades by hydrolysis to less harmful forms
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile or neoprene), tightly sealed goggles, a lab coat, and a face shield if risk of splashing exists.
- Use a properly functioning chemical fume hood when handling.
- Handling:
- Handle under dry, inert conditions to prevent contact with moisture or water (reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen chloride gas).
- Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes.
- Use tools made of materials resistant to corrosion—avoid contact with metals in moist environments.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight, moisture-proof container.
- Keep in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated chemical cabinet.
- Segregate from water, alcohols, acids, and bases.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in laboratory areas.
- Clean work surfaces after use to avoid corrosion.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Immediately move the person to fresh air.
- If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek emergency medical help.
- Aluminium chloride fumes (HCl gas) can cause respiratory tract irritation or burns.
- Skin Contact:
- Immediately wash with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Get medical attention if burns, redness, or irritation occurs.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Hold eyelids apart during rinsing.
- Seek immediate medical attention—this substance can cause serious eye damage.
- Ingestion:
- Do not induce vomiting.
- Rinse your mouth with plenty of water.
- Give water to drink only if the person is fully conscious.
- Seek immediate medical attention due to the corrosive nature.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical powder or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
- Do not use water—violent reactions can occur.
- Specific Hazards:
- Not flammable, but reacts with water to produce corrosive and toxic hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas.
- May emit aluminum oxide fumes when heated.
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Use full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Avoid water-based extinguishers.
- If safe, move containers away from the fire area.
- Cool surrounding fire-exposed containers with indirect water spray (without contacting the product).
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- SHORT DESCRIPTION