Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride Extra Pure

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Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride Extra Pure is a high-purity, white to pale yellow crystalline compound widely used in laboratory chemistry as a powerful Lewis acid catalyst. It plays a key role in organic synthesis, particularly in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, and is essential in the study of electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanisms. Due to its extreme moisture sensitivity, it hydrolyzes rapidly upon exposure to air, releasing hydrogen chloride gas, and must be handled under strictly dry conditions. The extra pure grade ensures low levels of impurities, making it suitable for high-precision research and moisture-sensitive experimental work. It should be stored in airtight, moisture-free containers in a cool, dry environment, preferably under an inert atmosphere.

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Category: LABORATORY CHEMICALS Tags: AluminiumSalt, AnalyticalReagent, FriedelCraftsCatalyst, HighPurityAlCl3, LewisAcid, MoistureSensitive, OrganicSynthesis, ReactiveReagent

Description

Table of Contents

Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride Extra Pure

Primary Uses

Lewis Acid Catalyst in Organic Reactions
- One of the most common Lewis acids used in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation of aromatic compounds.
Catalyst in Polymerization and Isomerization
- Employed in cationic polymerization of olefins and in rearrangement reactions, especially in petroleum and synthetic rubber chemistry (lab-scale).
Precursor in the Synthesis of Other Aluminum Compounds
- Used to prepare organoaluminum compounds and aluminum alkoxides under anhydrous conditions.
Study of Coordination Complexes
- Forms stable adducts with electron-donating ligands (ethers, halides), making it useful in ligand binding and complex formation research.
Drying and Dehydrating Agent in Non-Aqueous Systems
- Serves as a powerful dehydrating agent in water-sensitive reactions, particularly in synthesis involving acid chlorides.

Secondary Uses

Etching and Surface Treatment Research
- Used in metal surface modification, particularly in aluminum treatment and etching of semiconductors.
Catalyst in Halogen Exchange Reactions
- Participates in halide abstraction or exchange processes, aiding in the synthesis of alkyl halides or halogenated aromatics.
Study of Acid–Base Behavior in Non-Aqueous Media
- Ideal for demonstrating hard/soft acid–base theory, and exploring acid–base interactions in non-protic solvents.
Investigation of Ionic Liquids and Molten Salt Systems
- Mixed with organic halides to form ionic liquids, studied for electrochemistry and green chemistry applications.
Intermediate in Laboratory-Scale Aluminum Electrolysis or Vapor Deposition Studies
- Used to generate Al metal or AlCl₃ vapors for thin film deposition and electrochemical cell design.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name: Aluminum Chloride (Anhydrous)
CAS Number: 7446-70-0
HS Code: 28273000 (Aluminum chloride)
Molecular Formula: AlCl₃
Synonyms:
- Aluminum trichloride
- AlCl₃
- Trichloroaluminum
- Anhydrous aluminium chloride

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Solid (powder or granules)
Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; pungent, acidic odor due to hydrolysis
Boiling Point: ~180 °C (sublimes)
Melting Point: ~192.4 °C
Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.44 g/cm³
Solubility:
- Water: Reacts violently (hydrolyzes exothermically)
- Alcohol & Ether: Soluble
pH Level: Strongly acidic upon contact with moisture
Vapor Pressure: Moderate (sublimes easily at room temperature)
Flash Point: Not flammable, but corrosive and reactive
Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS):
- Corrosive to skin, eyes (Category 1)
- Serious eye damage (Category 1)
- Acute Toxicity – Inhalation (Category 3)
- Reacts violently with water
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 2
Exposure Limits:
- No specific OSHA/ACGIH limit for AlCl₃
- Use with proper ventilation and PPE
Reactivity:
- Reacts exothermically with water or moist air
- Corrosive to most metals in presence of moisture
- Hydrolyzes to form HCl gas and aluminum hydroxide

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, dry, airtight container under inert atmosphere if possible
- Protect from moisture, air, and heat
Incompatible Materials:
- Water, alcohols, bases, moist air, oxidizers
Container Type:
- Sealed glass or PTFE-lined containers (non-reactive)
Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~1–2 years if properly sealed; degrades quickly with moisture
Special Handling Requirements:
- Use in fume hood
- Gloves, goggles, and lab coat required
- Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:
- Listed in TSCA, REACH
- Classified as corrosive and regulated under workplace safety regulations
Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN 1726
- Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
- Packing Group: II
Waste Disposal Method:
- Neutralize cautiously before disposal
- Dispose as hazardous waste in compliance with local regulations

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity:
- Harmful to aquatic life due to acidity and aluminum ion release
Persistence in Environment:
- Hydrolyzes rapidly in water to insoluble aluminum hydroxide
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic
Biodegradability:
- Inorganic; not biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

- Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat, and tight-fitting safety goggles.
- Use in a certified fume hood—AlCl₃ reacts violently with moisture, releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas.

Handling:

- Handle with extreme care—AlCl₃ is highly reactive and corrosive.
- Avoid any contact with water, moisture, or skin.
- Do not breathe dust or fumes.
- Use only non-metallic tools and containers where compatible.

Storage:

- Store in airtight, sealed containers under dry, inert conditions (e.g., desiccator or glove box).
- Keep away from moisture, acids, bases, and oxidizers.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.

Hygiene Measures:

- Wash hands and arms thoroughly after handling.
- Remove and clean contaminated clothing.
- Never touch face or eyes when handling AlCl₃.

FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation:

- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen.
- Seek immediate medical attention—HCl vapors from hydrolysis can cause serious lung damage.

Skin Contact:

- Brush off any dry particles, then wash skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Seek medical attention for burns, irritation, or delayed symptoms.

Eye Contact:

- Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for 15+ minutes.
- Hold eyelids apart and remove contact lenses if present.
- Seek emergency medical treatment—can cause severe eye damage or burns.

Ingestion:

- Do NOT induce vomiting.
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Give water or milk only if the person is conscious.
- Seek immediate medical attention—may cause burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Suitable Extinguishing Media:

- Use dry powder (e.g., sand, Class D extinguisher), CO₂, or dry chemical.
- Do NOT use water or foam—reaction with water is violent and releases corrosive fumes.

Specific Hazards:

- Reacts exothermically with water, releasing:
  - Hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) – corrosive and toxic
  - Aluminum hydroxide, forming a gelatinous mass
- Contact with organic materials may cause combustion.

Protective Equipment for Firefighters:

- Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and chemical-resistant gear.

Firefighting Instructions:

- Evacuate area and fight fire from a safe distance.
- Cool unaffected containers with dry agents if possible.
- Avoid spreading spilled material—keep it dry and isolated.