Applications

• Common component in antiperspirants
• Most commonly used in Lewis acid
• Finds use in polymerisation and isomerisation reactions of hydrocarbons

General

Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is the main compound of aluminium and chlorine.

It is white, but samples are often contaminated with iron trichloride, giving it a yellow colour. The solid has a low melting and boiling point.

The compound is often cited as a Lewis acid.

It is an example of an inorganic compound that "cracks" at mild temperature, reversibly changing from a polymer to a monomer.

Specification

Minimum Assay: 95.0 – 102.0%
Chemical Formula: AlCl₃•6H₂O
Molecular Weight: 241.43 (133.34anhy)
Water (Karl Fischer): 42.0 – 48.0% 
pH (5%, 20°C): 2.5 – 3.5 
Ammonium (NH4): <0.01% 
Arsenic (As): <0.0004% 
Calcium (Ca): <0.02% 
Iron (Fe): <0.0006%
Potassium (K): <0.01% 
Magnesium (Mg): < 0.01% 
Sodium (Na): < 0.1% 
Heavy metals (as Pb): <0.0003%
Sulphate (SO4): <0.005%

Hazards

Hazard Phrases: Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation.

Prec Phrases: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.