General Description
Colorless needles. Used as a raw material in the production of metallic gallium and in the processing of mono crystal semiconductor compounds.
Reactivity Profile
GALLIUM TRICHLORIDE(13450-90-3) acts as a weak inorganic acid. Materials in this group are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Health Hazard
(Non-Specific--Gallium Compounds) In view of the toxicity of gallium and its compounds, as shown by experiments, all persons involved in work with these substances should undergo periodic medical examinations, during which special attention should be paid to the condition of the liver, respiratory organs, and skin.
Potential Exposure
Used as a raw material in the produc tion of metallic gallium; and in the processing of mono crystal, semiconductor compounds.
Fire Hazard
Emits toxic chloride fumes when heated to decomposition. Decomposes upon sufficient heating.
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency
medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not
breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim
ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respira tion with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way
valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and
isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact
with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with run ning water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact,
avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim
warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion,
or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved
and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical obser vation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing
overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As
first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized para medic may consider administering a drug or other inhala tion therapy.
Shipping
UN3260 Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s.,
Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical
Name Required. UN1759 Corrosive solids, n.o.s., Hazard
class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name
required.
Chemical Properties
Gallium trichloride is a colorless solid which
forms needle-like crystals. Acidic odor.
Chemical Properties
white crystals or powder
Uses
Gallium(III) chloride is a catalyst for a number of transformations including the ring opening and recyclization of epoxides and the trimerization of alkynes. It is used to detect the solar neutrions.
Uses
Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis; reagent for generating organogallium compounds, metallic gallium, and gallium semiconductors.
Production Methods
The trichloride salt of trivalent gallium is prepared by the
action of either hydrogen chloride or chlorine on the metal.
Purification Methods
The pure compound can be obtained by redistillation in a stream of Cl2 or Cl2/N2 followed by vacuum sublimation or zone refining. It forms colourless needles which give gallium dichloride [Ga(GaCl4), m 172.4o] on heating. It dissolves in H2O with liberation of heat. It is soluble in Et2O and can be extracted from an HCl solution with Et2O. [Laubengayer & Schirmer J Am Chem Soc 62 1579 1940, D.nges in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 846 1963.]
