Aluminium chloride

Aluminium chloride (AlCl3) is a compound of aluminium and chlorine. It is white, but samples are often contaminated with iron(III) chloride, giving it a yellow color. The solid has a low melting and boiling point. It is mainly produced and consumed in the production of aluminium metal, but large amounts are also used in other areas of the chemical industry. The compound is often cited as a Lewis acid. It is an example of an inorganic compound that "cracks" at mild temperature to give a nonmolecular product.

Structure and properties

Aluminium chloride can exist in various forms. The form that is most stable at room temperature is hexahydrate (AlCl3·6H2O). Each Al3+ center is octahedral. The anhydrous form, which is colorless, has a layered structure with octahedral Al3+ centers.

Production

Aluminium chloride is manufactured on a large scale by the exothermic reaction of aluminium metal with chlorine or hydrogen chloride at temperatures between 650 to 750 °C.

Applications

Aluminium chloride finds a wide variety of uses in the chemical industry. Its major applications include in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride, rubber, and aluminium metal. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and in the oil industry for cracking hydrocarbons.

Safety

Aluminium chloride is a powerful irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes. It is classified as a hazardous substance and should be handled with care.

See also

• Aluminium
• Chlorine
• Chemical industry
• Polyvinyl chloride
• Rubber
• Pharmaceuticals
• Oil industry