Aluminium Chloride

Aluminium Chloride (AlCl₃) is white or pale yellow (anhydrous form); light yellow to grey (hydrous form due to impurities). It has a strong, pungent odour (due to hydrolysis in moist air). Highly soluble in water, ethanol and chloroform; reacts with water, releasing hydrogen chloride (HCl).

Common uses of Aluminium Chloride (AlCl₃):

• Used in Friedel-Crafts reactions (alkylation and acylation of benzene).
• Important in the manufacture of petrochemicals (e.g., production of ethylbenzene, a precursor to styrene).
• Used as a mordant in dyeing fabrics.
• Helps in colour fixation on textiles.
• Used in sizing and pH regulation during paper production.
• Acts as a catalyst in the manufacture of synthetic rubber and polymers.
• Used for purifying water by removing impurities and organic matter.
• Used in aluminium production via the Hall-Héroult process.
• Helps refine metals like titanium and niobium.
• Used in organic synthesis as a reagent or catalyst.