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7446-70-0
AlCl3
133.34
231-208-1
Product Description
Aluminum Chloride, also spelled Aluminium Chloride, is an inorganic metal halide and strong Lewis acid. The anhydrous product has the chemical formula AlCl3 and CAS No. 7446-70-0.
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride is widely used as a process catalyst in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation, hydrocarbon isomerization, polymerization and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, pigments, fragrances and petrochemical intermediates.
Because anhydrous AlCl3 reacts strongly with moisture, product quality depends not only on assay but also on water content, iron, insoluble matter, particle form, packaging integrity and storage history.
Aluminum Chloride is an inorganic chemical. It contains aluminum and chlorine and has no carbon-based organic structure.
The recommended commercial classification is:
Classification | Recommended Category |
|---|---|
Organic or inorganic | Inorganic chemical |
Chemical family | Metal halide |
Functional category | Lewis acid and process catalyst |
Commercial category | Industrial inorganic chemical |
Fine chemical or intermediate | Depends on grade; normally a catalyst raw material |
Standard technical grade | Industrial inorganic chemical |
High-purity anhydrous grade | Specialty or fine inorganic chemical |
Role in organic synthesis | Catalyst or reaction promoter rather than a conventional intermediate |
Although Aluminum Chloride is used to manufacture organic chemical intermediates, the Aluminum Chloride itself is normally classified as an inorganic catalyst.
“Aluminum Chloride” can describe several commercially different products. Buyers should identify the required form before requesting a quotation.
Property | Information |
Formula | AlCl3 |
CAS number | 7446-70-0 |
Molecular weight | 133.34 g/mol |
Typical appearance | White, light yellow or yellow-grey powder or granules |
Moisture behavior | Highly moisture-sensitive |
Primary function | Lewis acid catalyst |
Typical applications | Organic synthesis, petrochemicals, dyes, pharmaceuticals and polymers |
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride reacts vigorously with water and moisture, generating heat and hydrogen chloride. It must be stored and transferred under controlled dry conditions.
Property | Information |
Formula | AlCl3·6H2O |
CAS number | 7784-13-6 |
Molecular weight | 241.43 g/mol |
Typical appearance | White or pale crystalline solid |
Moisture behavior | Already hydrated and readily soluble |
Common applications | Laboratory reagents and selected pharmaceutical or specialty formulations |
The hexahydrate is not a direct replacement for anhydrous AlCl3 in moisture-sensitive organic synthesis.
Commercial Aluminum Chloride solutions are acidic, corrosive aqueous products supplied at a declared concentration. They may be used in selected industrial and water-treatment processes.
Their concentration, aluminum content, free acidity, basicity, transport classification and application differ from those of anhydrous Aluminum Chloride.
Polyaluminum Chloride, commonly abbreviated as PAC, is a polymerized aluminum coagulant generally identified by CAS No. 1327-41-9. It is primarily used in drinking-water and wastewater treatment.
PAC is not the same chemical as anhydrous AlCl3 and should have a separate product page.
Property | Product Information |
Product name | Aluminum Chloride Anhydrous |
British spelling | Aluminium Chloride Anhydrous |
Alternative name | Aluminum Trichloride |
CAS number | 7446-70-0 |
EC number | 231-208-1 |
Molecular formula | AlCl3 |
Molecular weight | 133.34 g/mol |
Appearance | White to light yellow powder or granules |
Chemical function | Lewis acid |
Water behavior | Reacts vigorously and releases hydrogen chloride |
Flammability | Not normally classified as flammable |
Main hazard | Corrosive and water-reactive |
Transport number | UN 1726 |
The following table represents a common industrial technical grade. The specification stated in the formal quotation and batch COA takes precedence.
Test Item | Typical Specification |
Appearance | White to light yellow powder or granules |
AlCl3 assay | ≥98.5% |
FeCl3 | ≤0.05% |
Water-insoluble matter | ≤0.10% |
Heavy metals as Pb | ≤0.04% |
Particle form | Powder or granules, as agreed |
Packaging | Sealed moisture-resistant packaging |
High-purity and application-specific grades may use tighter limits for iron, free aluminum, trace metals, water, color and particle size.
Assay indicates the nominal concentration of Aluminum Chloride, but it does not provide a complete picture of catalytic performance.
For moisture-sensitive reactions, a slightly higher assay does not compensate for poor packaging, excess moisture or unsuitable particle size.
Iron compounds can contribute to yellow, grey or brown coloration. Low iron may be especially important for:
Light-colored reaction products
Fragrances and aroma intermediates
Pharmaceutical intermediates
High-purity resins
Pigments with controlled color values
Moisture consumes active Aluminum Chloride, releases hydrogen chloride and changes reaction behavior. A buyer using AlCl3 as a Lewis acid should request a moisture or residual-water limit where process performance is sensitive.
Excess insoluble material may affect filtration, reactor cleaning, catalyst distribution and finished-product clarity.
Powder normally disperses faster but may generate more dust and be more difficult to transfer. Granular material may offer improved handling but can dissolve or react more slowly.
The correct form depends on the reactor, dosing system, solvent and reaction conditions.
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride accepts an electron pair from another molecule. By coordinating with a halide, carbonyl or related functional group, it increases electrophilic reactivity and enables reaction pathways that would otherwise proceed slowly or require harsher conditions.
Water reacts with anhydrous AlCl3, destroying its intended Lewis-acid form and producing heat, acidic aluminum species and hydrogen chloride.
Moisture contamination can cause:
Loss of catalytic activity
Uncontrolled heat generation
Hydrogen chloride release
Pressure development in closed equipment
Corrosion
Variable reaction yield
Increased by-products
Difficult filtration or work-up
Reactors, solvents, transfer lines and raw materials should therefore meet the dryness requirements established for the specific process.
Not necessarily. Although AlCl3 is commonly called a catalyst, it can form strong complexes with reactants or products. Some processes may require near-stoichiometric quantities and a separate hydrolysis or neutralization step during work-up.
Catalyst loading, quenching and waste treatment must be determined through a validated process rather than assumed from the general product description.
AlCl3 is used to promote the reaction between aromatic compounds and suitable alkylating agents. Applications include the manufacture of alkylbenzenes and other aromatic intermediates.
Process variables include:
Catalyst loading
Moisture level
Addition sequence
Reaction temperature
Mixing
Feed purity
Product–catalyst complex formation
Aluminum Chloride can activate acyl chlorides or related reagents for the production of aromatic ketones and other intermediates.
These reactions are used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, dye, pigment and fragrance supply chains.
Anhydrous AlCl3 may be used in selected:
Alkylation reactions
Hydrocarbon isomerization
Petroleum conversion processes
Ethylbenzene production
Linear alkylbenzene production
Specialty hydrocarbon synthesis
Suitability depends on the process design and catalyst system.
High-quality anhydrous Aluminum Chloride may be used as a Lewis acid in the synthesis of active-pharmaceutical-ingredient intermediates.
The Aluminum Chloride grade should be selected according to the process impurity profile. Standard industrial grade must not automatically be represented as pharmaceutical grade.
AlCl3 may be used in the synthesis of pesticide and crop-protection intermediates where Lewis-acid activation is required.
Trace metals, water and color may be important depending on the reaction and final purification route.
Aluminum Chloride is used in selected aromatic substitution processes for dyes, pigment intermediates and phthalocyanine-related products.
High-purity AlCl3 may serve as a process catalyst for the synthesis of fragrance and aroma intermediates. This does not mean that industrial Aluminum Chloride is a food ingredient.
Selected polymerization, resin and synthetic-rubber processes use Aluminum Chloride alone or as part of a catalyst system.
AlCl3 may also be employed in chlorination, rearrangement, cracking and other reactions requiring strong Lewis-acid activity.
Aluminum Chloride may also be supplied for selected metallurgical and specialty industrial processes where a moisture-sensitive inorganic chloride is required.
Lewis Acid | General Characteristics | Selection Considerations |
Aluminum Chloride | Strong, widely used and moisture-sensitive | Effective but may form strong product complexes |
Ferric Chloride | Lewis acid with oxidizing and color considerations | Iron contamination may affect the product |
Zinc Chloride | Moderate Lewis acidity and broad availability | Often easier to handle but may be less reactive |
Boron Trifluoride | Strong gaseous or complexed Lewis acid | Requires specialized gas or complex handling |
Titanium Tetrachloride | Strong and highly moisture-sensitive liquid | Fumes strongly and requires closed handling |
These materials are not interchangeable without process development, reaction testing and safety review.
The principal difference is water content.
Anhydrous AlCl3 is selected for moisture-sensitive Lewis-acid reactions. The hexahydrate is already coordinated with water and therefore does not provide equivalent behavior in reactions requiring dry AlCl3.
The hexahydrate cannot normally be converted into high-quality anhydrous Aluminum Chloride simply by heating. Heating hydrated Aluminum Chloride can cause hydrolysis and hydrogen chloride loss rather than clean removal of water.
State whether the requirement is for:
Anhydrous powder
Anhydrous granules
High-purity anhydrous material
Aluminum Chloride hexahydrate
Aluminum Chloride solution
Include the correct CAS number in the inquiry.
An industrial Friedel–Crafts reaction may prioritize moisture, iron and particle size. A laboratory application may prioritize assay and trace metals. A regulated pharmaceutical process may require additional change-control and impurity documentation.
Important parameters may include:
AlCl3 assay
Moisture or residual water
FeCl3 or total iron
Free aluminum
Insoluble matter
Heavy metals
Trace metals
Particle size
Powder or granular form
Color
Packaging atmosphere
Retest period
Because AlCl3 is highly moisture-sensitive, packaging quality can directly affect product performance.
Buyers should confirm:
Inner moisture barrier
Closure design
Unit packaging size
Pallet protection
Container-loading method
Sampling procedure
Whether partial-package use is planned
Packaging shown for supply-chain reference. Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride requires sealed, moisture-resistant and compliant packaging.
A laboratory or pilot trial should confirm reaction rate, selectivity, filtration, color and work-up before changing grade or supplier.
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride must be stored in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant packaging in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Recommended controls include:
Keep containers closed until immediately before use.
Protect the product from water, humidity and wet air.
Store separately from incompatible chemicals.
Do not store near aqueous raw materials.
Use dry, dedicated sampling and transfer equipment.
Do not return unused or contaminated product to the original container.
Minimize the time that an opened package is exposed to the atmosphere.
Reseal partially used packaging only under an approved dry-handling procedure.
Packaging options are confirmed according to grade, quantity, transport regulations and destination.
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride is corrosive and reacts vigorously with water. Hydrolysis releases heat and hydrogen chloride, which can damage the skin, eyes, respiratory system and equipment.
Industrial facilities should consider:
Enclosed transfer systems
Dry inert-atmosphere handling where required
Local exhaust and acid-gas control
Corrosion-resistant process equipment
Controlled addition rates
Temperature monitoring
Emergency pressure relief
Hydrogen chloride scrubbing
Chemical-resistant gloves and clothing
Eye and face protection
Respiratory protection based on risk assessment
Do not expose spilled material to water or wash it into a drain. Spill response and firefighting must follow the current SDS and an approved site emergency plan.
Empty packaging may contain moisture-reactive residue and must be treated as contaminated until properly managed.
Common transport identification for anhydrous Aluminum Chloride is:
Transport Item | Information |
UN number | UN 1726 |
Proper shipping name | ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE, ANHYDROUS |
Hazard class | 8 |
Packing group | II |
Primary hazard | Corrosive; reacts with moisture |
Export loading is shown for logistics reference; final packaging and labeling must comply with UN 1726 dangerous-goods requirements.
Transportation requirements for hexahydrate, solutions and formulated products may differ. The current SDS and destination-country regulations must be checked before shipment.
Professional buyers should request:
Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis
Current Safety Data Sheet
Technical Data Sheet
Agreed product specification
Product-form declaration
Particle-size information when required
Packaging specification
Country-of-origin documentation
Dangerous-goods declaration
Packing list and commercial invoice
Regulatory declarations required by the destination
Change-control documentation for regulated processes
For moisture-sensitive synthesis, request confirmation of the moisture test method and sampling conditions.
AOZUN supplies anhydrous Aluminum Chloride for industrial synthesis, process catalysis and chemical manufacturing.
Our supply support includes:
Industrial anhydrous Aluminum Chloride
Powder or granular options subject to availability
Batch COA and current SDS
Specification confirmation before order placement
Moisture-resistant export packaging
Dangerous-goods documentation support
International logistics coordination
Commercial support for samples and repeat orders
High-purity, hexahydrate and solution grades must be confirmed separately in the formal quotation.
For an accurate quotation, please provide:
Product form and CAS number
Required purity
Maximum moisture level
Maximum iron or FeCl3
Powder or granular preference
Required quantity
Packaging requirements
Application or reaction type
Destination port or delivery address
Required documents
Expected delivery date
Do not state only “Aluminum Chloride,” because the anhydrous, hexahydrate and solution products have substantially different handling and performance characteristics.
It is an inorganic metal chloride.
Standard industrial AlCl3 is normally categorized as an inorganic process chemical or catalyst. High-purity grades may be categorized as specialty or fine inorganic chemicals. In organic synthesis, it normally functions as a catalyst rather than a conventional intermediate.
The CAS number is 7446-70-0.
No. PAC is Polyaluminum Chloride, a polymeric water-treatment coagulant. Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride is a moisture-sensitive Lewis acid used mainly in chemical synthesis and process catalysis.
It should not be treated as an ordinary water-soluble salt. Contact with water causes a vigorous, heat-releasing hydrolysis reaction and generates hydrogen chloride. Only properly engineered procedures should introduce AlCl3 into an aqueous system.
Iron compounds and other impurities may give the material a yellow, grey or brown color. High-purity products are usually white or only faintly yellow.
Not in moisture-sensitive Lewis-acid reactions. The water of hydration substantially changes its chemical behavior.
Not by ordinary heating. Hydrated Aluminum Chloride can hydrolyze and lose hydrogen chloride during heating instead of producing clean anhydrous AlCl3.
It is not normally classified as flammable. Its major hazards are corrosivity and vigorous reaction with moisture.
It accepts an electron pair and activates the alkylating or acylating reagent, making electrophilic substitution on an aromatic compound possible.
Exposure time should be minimized, and the package should be resealed only under an approved dry-handling procedure. Material that has absorbed moisture or become contaminated should not be returned to the original container.
Looking for anhydrous Aluminum Chloride, CAS No. 7446-70-0, for Friedel–Crafts chemistry, petrochemical processing, dyes, pigments, pharmaceuticals or specialty synthesis?
Contact AOZUN with your required grade, purity, moisture limit, particle form, quantity, packaging and destination. Our team will confirm availability, documentation, lead time and commercial terms.
