Aluminum Chloride Anhydrous - Catalyst for Petrochemical, Wastewater Treatment, Chemical Synthesis
Aluminum chloride (chemical formula AlCl₃) is available in anhydrous form as white or pale yellow powder/crystals, or as hexahydrate (AlCl₃·6H₂O). The anhydrous variant is distinguished by its strong Lewis acidity, high reactivity, hygroscopic nature, and sublimation properties, establishing it as a crucial inorganic chemical raw material and catalyst. This product is essential in advanced and fundamental chemical applications including petrochemicals, fine chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, and water treatment.
Core Applications Analysis
Lewis Acid Catalyst in Petrochemicals and Organic Synthesis
- Friedel-Crafts Reactions Catalyst: Classic, highly efficient catalyst for aromatic alkylation (ethylbenzene, cumene production) and acylation reactions. Widely used in synthesizing dyes, fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates, and polymer monomers (styrene, phenol). Requires strictly anhydrous operating conditions.
- Isomerization and Cracking Catalyst: Used in hydrocarbon isomerization during petroleum refining to enhance gasoline octane number.
- Polymerization Catalyst: Component in producing synthetic rubbers and resins, including ethylene-propylene rubber.
Key Reagent in Fine Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Synthesis
- Pharmaceutical Intermediate Synthesis: Used in constructing active molecules for antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, and cardiovascular drugs.
- Fragrance and Dye Synthesis: Essential for producing fine chemicals like muscone and anthraquinone dyes.
- Organometallic Compound Preparation: Serves as precursor or catalyst.
Efficient Coagulant in Water Treatment
- Wastewater Treatment Coagulant: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate or partially hydrolyzed solutions function as highly effective inorganic coagulants for potable water purification, industrial wastewater, and municipal sewage treatment. Hydrolysis generates hydroxyl-aluminum complexes that remove suspended solids, colloids, phosphorus, and organic matter through charge neutralization and adsorption bridging.
- Performance Characteristics: Coagulation efficiency is significantly influenced by pH, requiring precise dosing control.
Other Industrial and Special Applications
- Metal Refining: Electrolyte component in molten salt electrolysis of aluminum.
- Lubricant Synthesis: Used in producing alkylaluminum compounds as lubricating oil additives.
- Flame Retardant: Acts as synergistic agent in polymeric material flame retardants.
Product Forms and Grading
Available in two primary categories:
- Anhydrous Grade: Features very high purity, low iron content, and strict moisture-proof packaging for moisture-sensitive catalytic reactions.
- Water Treatment Grade: Focuses on effective aluminum content, basicity, and solution stability.
Safety and Handling Requirements
Anhydrous aluminum chloride is a highly corrosive substance. Contact with water or moist air triggers violent hydrolysis, releasing large amounts of hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas and generating highly corrosive acid mist.
Mandatory handling protocols:
- Wear corrosion-resistant gloves, goggles, and respirator
- Operate in dry, well-ventilated environments with emergency wash facilities
- Storage requires strict sealing against moisture
Our anhydrous aluminum chloride offers high purity, excellent catalytic activity, and reliable sealed packaging. Water treatment grade products provide stable aluminum content and predictable coagulation performance.
We supply exclusively to qualified petrochemical companies, fine chemical plants, pharmaceutical firms, water treatment engineering contractors, and research institutions with professional qualifications and strict operating procedures. Each shipment includes detailed Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and professional handling guidelines. We do not sell to individuals or entities lacking necessary safe use conditions.
