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Chemical Name: Aluminum Trichloride, anhydrous
Synonyms: Trichloroaluminum, AlCl3
Appearance: White to yellowish, crystalline, strong odor of hydrochloric acid gas especially in humid air
Chemical Formula: AlCl3
Recommended Use: Catalysis in organic synthesis, Friedel-Crafts reactions, manufacture of aluminum compounds
Odor: Sharp, pungent, reminiscent of acidic fumes
Relevant Industry Settings: Chemical research, industrial production, specialized chemical labs
Physical Hazards: Fumes in moist air, reacts violently with water producing hydrochloric acid
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Health Hazards: Causes severe burns, respiratory tract irritation, potential lung injury, eye damage
NFPA Ratings: Health 3, Flammability 0, Reactivity 2
Environmental Hazards: Hazardous to aquatic environments if released in large quantities, acidifies water bodies
Particular Risks: Volatile in humidity, rapid hydrolysis creates hot acidic mists
Substance: AlCl3
Purity: Over 98% typical in lab-grade anhydrous samples
Impurities Present: Trace iron, minor other metal halides in low concentrations
CAS Number: 7446-70-0
Eye Contact: Flush with copious amounts of water, remove contacts, seek immediate emergency care
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash with water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes, medical attention for any signs of burn
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, assist breathing if trouble starts, oxygen if available, emergency medical help required
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, immediate hospital treatment vital
Additional Notes: Risk of delayed tissue damage, ongoing monitoring of affected individuals crucial
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry sand, special dry chemical agents — never water or CO2 alone
Specific Dangers: Hydrolysis releases toxic hydrochloric acid gas, risk increases with moisture
Protective Measures: Full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus standard for responders
Fire Byproducts: Corrosive fumes, potential for violent reaction with water
Evacuation Considerations: Fog, spray mist, and run-off pose poisoning risk far beyond fire boundary
Personal Protection: Protective clothing, gloves resistant to acid, face shield or full goggles, impervious boots
Spill Containment: Isolate area, clean up with noncombustible absorbents such as sand
Environmental Protection: Prevent powder and runoff from entering waterways, neutralize residue with lime or soda ash before disposal
Clean-Up Procedures: Sweep up dry material carefully, avoid creating dust, ventilate area thoroughly, seal waste in compatible containers
Safe Handling Practices: Operate in well-ventilated fume hoods, use clean, dry tools, avoid splashing, never add water directly
Precautionary Measures: Keep away from moisture, acids, bases, organic materials; avoid rough handling of containers
Storage Requirements: Airtight, moisture- and corrosion-resistant containers, cool dry location, segregated from other chemicals, labeled clearly
Regular Maintenance: Frequent checks for leakages, corrosion, or sign of hydrolysis in storage areas
Transportation Within Site: Use secondary containment, routes mapped for emergency evacuation
Exposure Limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH exposure limits, but professional best practice demands strict minimization of exposure
Engineering Controls: Certified chemical fume hoods, exhaust ventilation, splash barriers, negative pressure storage
Personal Protection Equipment: Acid-resistant gloves, full face shield, chemical splash goggles, long-sleeved clothing, supplied-air respirators for bulk handling
Work Practice Controls: Training in spill response, PPE checks, exposure monitoring, medical surveillance for frequent handlers
Appearance: White to yellowish solid, fine or coarse crystalline powder
Melting Point: 190°C (sublimes before melting under atmospheric pressure)
Boiling Point: Decomposes at 180°C
Molecular Weight: 133.33 g/mol
Odor Threshold: Low due to volatile acidic fumes
Solubility: Reacts with water; soluble in many organic solvents such as benzene
Density: Approximately 2.44 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature, especially in humid conditions
Flash Point: Not applicable, nonflammable
Evaporation Rate: Can sublime, especially under low pressure or increased temperature
Chemical Stability: Unstable in contact with moisture, reacts exothermically
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, organic materials, strong bases, powdered metals
Hazardous Decomposition: Hydrogen chloride gas, minor aluminum oxides
Conditions to Avoid: Humid air, open atmosphere, unlined metal containers
Acute Toxicity: Causes severe eye/skin burns, inhaled dust or fumes provoke burning, coughing, possibly pulmonary edema
Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure leads to dermatitis, lasting respiratory injury, possible dental erosion
Immediate Symptoms: Burning, tearing, choking sensation, visual disturbance
Carcinogenicity: No classification from IARC or NTP
Sensitization: Not identified as a skin or respiratory sensitizer in available scientific publications
Acute Aquatic Toxicity: Can acidify water bodies rapidly, disrupt pH balance for aquatic life
Chronic Effects: Prolonged discharge raises toxicity in aquatic environments
Persistence and Degradability: Reacts quickly in moist environments, does not bioaccumulate
Decomposition: Hydrolyzes to aluminum hydroxide and hydrochloric acid
Mitigation Strategies: Contain releases, neutralize effluents before disposal
Data Gaps: Lack of comprehensive ecotoxicity studies for anhydrous aluminum trichloride specifically, but strong risk inferred from its acid-forming behavior
Waste Handling: Collect in sealed, chemically resistant containers, label as corrosive hazardous waste
Neutralization: Slowly hydrolyze with excess water, then neutralize acid with alkali under controlled conditions and proper ventilation
Waste Streams: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste contractor
Improper Disposal Risks: Environmental contamination, severe burns, toxic fume release
Regulatory Perspective: Classified hazardous, subject to strict controls in most countries
Hazard Classification: Corrosive solid, regulated for land, sea, and air
Packing Group: Usually PG I (high danger)
Required Labels: Corrosive symbol
Transport Considerations: Avoid loading with oxidizers, foodstuffs, combustibles; secure containers tightly
Spill Response During Transit: Trained hazmat response only, emergency procedures by transit personnel
Occupational Regulations: Listed on TSCA inventory in the United States, stricter requirements in EU under REACH
Environmental Regulations: Waste subject to hazardous waste directives, required spill preparedness, reporting for large releases
Workplace Rights: Safety training, right-to-know about hazards, provision of personal protective equipment by employer
Supply Chain Accountability: Requires disclosure of hazard information and shipping compliance through all levels of handling
Ongoing Developments: Regulatory scrutiny increasing, especially regarding aquatic impacts and accidental release tracking
