Aluminum chloride basic
[CAS# 12042-91-0]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Metal halides and halides >> Metal chlorides and salts
• Name: Aluminum chloride basic
• Synonyms: Chloro(dihydroxy)aluminium - trihydroxyaluminium (1:1)
• Molecular Formula: H₅Al₂ClO₅
• Molecular Weight: 174.45
• CAS Registry Number: 12042-91-0
• EC Number: 234-933-1
• SMILES: O[Al](O)Cl.O[Al](O)O

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS06;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290

Discovory and Applicatios

Aluminum chloride basic, also known as basic aluminum chloride or aluminum chloride hydroxide, is a chemical compound that consists of aluminum, chlorine, and hydroxide ions. It is commonly represented by the formula Al2(OH)5Cl·H2O, indicating its basic nature and the presence of water molecules in its structure. This compound is formed when aluminum chloride reacts with water or when aluminum chloride is exposed to moisture in humid conditions. It typically appears as a white or off-white solid that is slightly soluble in water.

The discovery of aluminum chloride basic is closely related to the broader study of aluminum chemistry and the various reactions of aluminum salts with water. Aluminum chloride itself was first discovered and isolated in the early 19th century. Over time, the interaction of aluminum chloride with water and other solvents led to the identification of several forms of aluminum chloride, including the basic compound. The basic variant differs from the anhydrous form of aluminum chloride, which is highly hygroscopic and used in a variety of chemical reactions.

Aluminum chloride basic finds numerous applications, particularly in industrial and environmental processes. It is widely used as a coagulant in water treatment and as a catalyst in various chemical reactions. In water treatment, aluminum chloride basic is effective in removing impurities from drinking water and wastewater by promoting the aggregation of suspended particles, allowing them to be removed from the water. This process is crucial in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water and in the treatment of industrial effluents.

In industrial processes, aluminum chloride basic plays a role as a catalyst in reactions such as polymerization and the production of synthetic materials. It is also used in the preparation of other aluminum compounds, serving as a precursor in the synthesis of alumina and aluminum hydroxide. Its ability to act as a Lewis acid, capable of accepting electron pairs from other molecules, makes it valuable in many catalytic applications, including in the petrochemical industry.

Another significant application of aluminum chloride basic is in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. It is sometimes used in the formulation of antiperspirants, where it acts to block the sweat glands and reduce perspiration. Due to its basic nature, it can be used as a stabilizing agent in various formulations, contributing to the desired consistency and stability of the product.

In terms of environmental chemistry, aluminum chloride basic has been investigated for its potential in removing heavy metals and other contaminants from soils and water. Its role as a coagulant is particularly valuable in processes designed to manage environmental pollution, especially in areas where wastewater treatment or soil remediation is necessary.

The chemical properties of aluminum chloride basic, including its ability to hydrolyze and form complexes with other ions, have made it an important subject of study in both inorganic chemistry and industrial chemistry. The compound's reactivity with water and its subsequent formation of aluminum hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are well-documented, and these properties are leveraged in a wide range of applications.

In summary, aluminum chloride basic is a versatile compound with established applications in water treatment, catalysis, and various industrial processes. Its role in promoting the aggregation of particles in water treatment, its use as a catalyst in chemical reactions, and its application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries underscore its importance. As research into its chemical properties continues, it is likely that new applications and formulations will emerge, further expanding the utility of this compound.