Aluminium chloride
[CAS# 7446-70-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Special medicine >> Stomatology medication
• Name: Aluminium chloride
• Synonyms: Aluminium trichloride
• Molecular Formula: AlCl₃
• Molecular Weight: 133.34
• CAS Registry Number: 7446-70-0
• EC Number: 231-208-1
• SMILES: [Al](Cl)(Cl)Cl

Properties

• Density: 2.44
• Melting point: 194 °C
• Boiling point: 180 °C
• Water solubility: REACTS

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05 Danger
• Risk Statements: H290-H314-H315-H318-H319-H335-H412-H413
• Safety Statements: P234-P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P273-P280-P301+P330+P331-P302+P352-P302+P361+P354-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P363-P390-P403+P233-P405-P406-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H373
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	5	H303

Discovery and Applications

Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is an important compound in industry and chemical processes. It was first synthesized in 1821 by French chemist Henri Etienne Sainte-Claire Deville. Deville's work in isolating and characterizing this compound greatly advanced the understanding of aluminum chemistry and marked a key point in the development of industrial chemistry.

Aluminum chloride is a white or colorless crystalline solid with the following key properties: melting point of 192.6°C (378.7°F), boiling point of 180°C (356°F), density of 2.42 g/cm³, and is readily soluble in water and a variety of organic solvents. Aluminum chloride is hygroscopic, meaning that it readily absorbs moisture from the air, which causes it to hydrolyze in humid conditions.

Aluminum chloride is a key catalyst in Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, which are essential for the synthesis of complex organic molecules and are widely used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and fragrances.

In industry, aluminum chloride is used to produce aluminum metal by the electrolytic reduction of aluminum oxide. The compound acts as a catalyst in the process, helping to extract aluminum from aluminum ore. It is used in the production of various petrochemical products, including crude oil refining. Aluminum chloride aids in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, which is essential for the production of gasoline and other fuels.

Aluminum chloride is used as a coagulant in the water purification process. By causing suspended particles to clump together, it helps remove them from the water, making it cleaner and safer.

In the pharmaceutical industry, aluminum chloride is a common ingredient in over-the-counter antiperspirants. It reduces sweating by forming a temporary plug in the sweat ducts.

In the textile industry, aluminum chloride is used as a mordant to fix dyes to fabrics, improving the color quality and durability of textiles.

When handling aluminum chloride, proper safety measures must be taken and gloves, goggles, and protective clothing must be worn to prevent skin and eye contact. Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume hood to avoid breathing fumes. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption. Proper storage minimizes the risk of accidents and maintains product integrity.

Due to its potential hazards, aluminum chloride should be handled with care. May be harmful to aquatic life if discharged into waterways. Proper disposal and treatment must be carried out to prevent environmental contamination. Exposure to aluminum chloride is irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Prolonged or high levels of exposure should be avoided to prevent adverse health effects.

References

1984. Influence of Aluminum as Sulfate, Chloride and Citrate on Magnesium and Calcium Metabolism in Sheep. Journal of Animal Science, 59(3).
DOI: 10.2527/jas1984.593798x

1994. Aluminum effects on blood chemistry and long bone development in the chick embryo. Archives of Toxicology, 68(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s002040050111

2012. An In Vitro Study of the Effect of Aluminum and the Combined Effect of Strontium, Aluminum, and Fluoride Elements on Early Enamel Carious Lesions. Biological Trace Element Research, 147(1-3).
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9328-6