Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (CAS 7784-13-6)

Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, with the chemical formula AlCl3·6H2O, is a hydrated form of aluminum chloride notable for its use in a variety of non-medical research contexts, particularly in the fields of chemistry and materials science. This chemical serves as a powerful Lewis acid, making it highly effective in catalyzing various chemical reactions, including Friedel-Crafts acylation and alkylation, where it facilitates the formation of carbon-carbon bonds in aromatic compounds. The mechanism of action of aluminum chloride hexahydrate in these reactions involves the complexation with the carbonyl group of an acyl chloride, enhancing the electrophilic character of the carbonyl carbon, which then more readily attacks the aromatic ring. This capability is exploited in synthesizing a wide range of complex organic molecules. Additionally, in research focused on materials science, aluminum chloride hexahydrate is used to prepare aluminum-based materials. For instance, it is employed in the synthesis of aluminum oxide or alumina nanoparticles, which are crucial for applications requiring high surface area and reactivity. The process typically involves the hydrolysis of aluminum chloride hexahydrate, leading to the formation of hydrated forms of alumina, which can be further processed into more stable, anhydrous forms. This compound′s role in generating and manipulating various aluminum compounds is invaluable for developing advanced materials with specific properties for industrial applications.