Agent Name |
Aluminum chloride |
CAS Number |
7446-70-0 |
Formula |
Al-Cl3 |
Major Category |
Metals |
Synonyms |
Aluminium trichloride; Aluminium, (chlorure d') [French]; Aluminiumchlorid [German]; Chlorure d'aluminium [French]; Trichloroaluminum; [ChemIDplus] |
Category |
Metals, Inorganic Compounds |
Description |
White crystals or powder with strong odor of hydrogen chloride; [HSDB] Pure material is deliquescent solid. Commercially available as anhydrous, the hexahydrate and as 16.5%, 28%, and 80% solutions; [CHEMINFO] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a catalyst and chemical intermediate; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is used to preserve wood, to disinfect stables and slaughterhouses, to dye fabrics, to develop photos, to refine crude oil, and to manufacture parchment paper; It is used in deodorants and antiperspirants; [HSDB] |
Comments |
Hydrogen chloride gas and hydrochloric acid released upon contact of Al-Cl3 with moisture; Corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract; Inhalation of dust or released HCl can cause acute pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO] Experiments show that "there is essentially no HCl gas formation; the substance is quite unreactive." Contact with the anhydrous substance causes thermal and acid burns. [CAMEO] |
Restricted |
Use as a registered pesticide was cancelled; [HSDB] |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
Explanatory Notes |
VP = 1 mm Hg 100 degrees C; [HSDB] The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Aluminum chloride, anhydrous." |
Flammability (NFPA) |
0: will not burn |
Adverse Effects |
Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
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