Aluminum Chloride
Aluminum Chloride: High-Quality Chemical Solution for Various Industries
Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃) is an inorganic compound with wide applications across multiple industries. Our high-purity Aluminum Chloride meets strict quality standards and comes in various grades to suit different industrial requirements.
Key Specifications of Our Aluminum Chloride
- Chemical Formula: AlCl₃
- Appearance: White or pale yellow crystalline powder
- Purity: ≥98% (Industrial Grade), ≥99.5% (Reagent Grade)
- Molecular Weight: 133.34 g/mol
- Melting Point: 192.4°C (378.3°F)
- Boiling Point: 180°C (356°F) sublimes
- Density: 2.48 g/cm³
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, ether and glycerol
Aluminum Chloride Technical Specifications Table
| Parameter | Industrial Grade | Reagent Grade | Pharmaceutical Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (min) | 98% | 99.5% | 99.9% |
| Iron Content (max) | 0.01% | 0.002% | 0.0005% |
| Water Insoluble (max) | 0.1% | 0.02% | 0.005% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) (max) | 0.005% | 0.001% | 0.0001% |
| Packaging | 25kg bags | 500g/1kg bottles | 100g/500g bottles |
Aluminum Chloride Applications
Our Aluminum Chloride serves multiple industries with exceptional performance:
- Chemical Manufacturing: Catalyst in Friedel-Crafts reactions
- Water Treatment: Coagulant for purification processes
- Pharmaceuticals: Active ingredient in antiperspirants
- Petroleum Refining: Catalyst in alkylation processes
- Dye Production: Mordant in textile industry
- Metal Production: Used in aluminum metallurgy
Aluminum Chloride FAQ
What safety precautions should be taken when handling Aluminum Chloride?
Always wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respirator when handling Aluminum Chloride. Work in well-ventilated areas as it can release hydrogen chloride gas when exposed to moisture. Store in airtight containers away from water sources. In case of skin contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
How should Aluminum Chloride be stored to maintain quality?
Aluminum Chloride should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas in tightly sealed containers. Keep away from moisture, incompatible materials (especially water, bases, and oxidizing agents), and direct sunlight. Maintain storage temperature below 30°C (86°F) for optimal shelf life. Bulk quantities should be stored on pallets in dry warehouses.
What is the difference between anhydrous and hydrated Aluminum Chloride?
Anhydrous Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃) is the pure form that readily absorbs moisture from air, while hydrated forms (like AlCl₃·6H₂O) contain water molecules. The anhydrous version is more reactive and preferred for organic synthesis, while the hydrated form is more stable and commonly used in water treatment and cosmetics. Our production focuses on high-purity anhydrous Aluminum Chloride for superior performance.
Industrial Grades of Aluminum Chloride
- Standard Industrial Grade: Suitable for most manufacturing processes
- High Purity Grade: For specialized chemical applications
- Catalyst Grade: Optimized for petrochemical processes
- Food Grade: Meets food safety standards for specific applications
- Pharmaceutical Grade: Ultra-pure for medical and cosmetic uses
Environmental Considerations for Aluminum Chloride
While Aluminum Chloride has many industrial benefits, responsible handling is crucial:
- Implement proper waste management procedures
- Neutralize acidic residues before disposal
- Follow local environmental regulations
- Consider closed-loop systems to minimize waste
- Train personnel in safe handling practices
More Aluminum Chloride Questions
Can Aluminum Chloride be used in food processing applications?
Certain purified forms of Aluminum Chloride are permitted in food processing as firming agents (E173) in limited applications, primarily for decorative purposes on candies and cake decorations. However, strict food-grade specifications must be met and usage is regulated by food safety authorities. For any food-related use, consult the specific regulations in your region and verify that the product meets all food safety requirements.
How does Aluminum Chloride work as an antiperspirant?
In antiperspirants, Aluminum Chloride forms temporary plugs in sweat ducts when it reacts with water in sweat, creating aluminum hydroxide gel. This reduces sweat production without harming sweat glands. For optimal results in clinical antiperspirants (typically 10-20% concentration), it should be applied to dry skin at night when sweat production is minimal, allowing maximum absorption and effectiveness.
What makes Aluminum Chloride an effective catalyst in organic chemistry?
Aluminum Chloride's effectiveness as a Lewis acid catalyst stems from its ability to accept electron pairs. In Friedel-Crafts reactions, it activates halogens or acyl groups, facilitating electrophilic aromatic substitution. Its strong affinity for chloride ions drives reactions to completion. The catalyst can often be recovered and reused, though it may require reactivation due to its hygroscopic nature and tendency to form complexes with organic products.
Global Standards Compliance
Our Aluminum Chloride production meets rigorous international standards:
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
- REACH compliance for European markets
- USP/NF standards for pharmaceutical applications
- FCC compliance for food-grade products
- Custom formulations available to meet specific regional requirements
Technical Questions About Aluminum Chloride
What is the shelf life of Aluminum Chloride?
Properly stored anhydrous Aluminum Chloride typically has a shelf life of 24-36 months in unopened containers. The hydrated form may last longer (up to 5 years) due to its greater stability. Shelf life depends on storage conditions - exposure to moisture significantly reduces effectiveness. For critical applications, we recommend testing the material if stored for extended periods. Bulk quantities should be used within 12 months of production for optimal performance.
How does Aluminum Chloride compare to other coagulants in water treatment?
Compared to alternatives like ferric chloride or alum, Aluminum Chloride offers several advantages in water treatment: higher charge density for better particle destabilization, wider effective pH range (5-9), lower dosage requirements, and reduced sludge production. It's particularly effective for cold water treatment and removes turbidity, color, and organic compounds efficiently. However, it may be more expensive than conventional alum in some markets.
What are the shipping regulations for Aluminum Chloride?
Aluminum Chloride is classified as Hazard Class 8 (Corrosive) for transportation. All shipments must comply with IMDG (sea), IATA (air), and ADR/RID (road/rail) regulations. Proper packaging in UN-certified containers with corrosion-resistant liners is required. Shipping documents must include Material Safety Data Sheets and proper hazard labels. Some regions may have additional restrictions - always check current regulations before shipping.