AlCl₃ (Aluminum Chloride)

Chemical formula: AlCl₃ Common name: Aluminum chloride Molar mass: 133.34 g/mol Appearance: White to yellowish crystalline solid (anhydrous) or colorless solution (hydrated) Density: 2.44 g/cm³ (anhydrous) Melting point: 192.4 °C (anhydrous, sublimates) Boiling point: 180 °C (decomposes)

• Highly hygroscopic — absorbs water from air and forms AlCl₃·6H₂O
• Acts as a Lewis acid — strong electron pair acceptor
• Forms covalent bonds in vapor/gas phase, but ionic in hydrated form
• Reacts violently with water, releasing heat and hydrochloric acid

• Catalyst in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions
• Polymerization catalyst in petrochemical industry
• Used in manufacture of rubber, lubricants, dyes, and pharmaceuticals
• Etching agent in metallurgy and electronics

• Corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
• Inhalation of fumes can cause respiratory tract irritation
• Reacts exothermically with water → handle with extreme care
• Store in dry, airtight containers away from moisture

• Commonly used in anhydrous form for organic synthesis
• Hydrated form (AlCl₃·6H₂O) is more stable but less reactive in catalytic applications
• In the presence of moisture, releases HCl fumes

• PubChem: Aluminum Chloride
• Chemeurope: Aluminium Chloride