China, Germany, and the United States are the leading exporters of aluminum chloride, collectively accounting for over 60% of global exports in recent years; major importers include India, South Korea, and Brazil, driven by demand from water treatment, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Exports from China have expanded steadily since 2022, while aluminum chloride prices have remained relatively stable amid moderate demand growth and consistent supply capacity across key producing regions.
Aluminum chloride is a white to pale yellow, hygroscopic solid that sublimes readily at 178 °C and is highly soluble in water, often fuming in moist air due to hydrolysis. It is an inorganic Lewis acid and metal halide, commonly employed in its anhydrous or hexahydrate forms. As a versatile catalyst and reagent, it is widely used in Friedel–Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions, as well as in the production of ethylbenzene, cumene, and other aromatic intermediates. Its principal applications span petrochemical refining, polymer synthesis (e.g., polyolefins), and the manufacture of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals.
Aluminum chloride has extensive commercial applications. It is used primarily in the electrolytic production of aluminum. Another major use involves its catalytic applications in many organic reactions, including Friedel-Crafts alkylation, polymerization, isomerization, hydrocracking, oxidation, decarboxylation, and dehydrogenation. It is also used in the production of rare earth chlorides, electroplating of aluminum and in many metal finishing and metallurgical operations.
Aluminum chloride is a noncombustible but highly reactive whitish-gray, yellow, or green powder or liquid. Strong, acidic, irritating odor like hydrochloric acid.The vapor consists of double molecules Al2Cl6 . Soluble in water.
This chemical is included in Fine Chemicals. See more about what is Aluminum chloride and Aluminum chloride SDS information.
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