Physical Properties
White or yellowish deliquescent powder; faint odor of HCl; density 2.40 g/cm3; soluble in water and polar organic solvents such as alcohol; aqueous solution acidic.
Uses
The Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is used in the preparation of deodorant and antiperspirant. Also, it is applied in textile finishing to improve the antistatic characteristics and flammability ratings of various textile materials. Commercially, it is sold as crystalline powder or as a 28% solution in water.
Preparation
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is prepared by dissolving Al(OH)3 in conc. HCl and passing gaseous HCl through the solution at 0°C. The precipitate is washed with diethyl ether and dried. Alternatively, it is prepared by hydrolyzing anhydrous AlCl3 in cold dilute HCl.
Reactions
Decomposes to alumina when heated at 300°C;
2AlCl3 •6H2O →2Al2O3 + 6HCl + 9H2O
Reacts with caustic soda solution forming gelatinous precipitate of aluminum hydroxide (hydrous aluminum oxide); yields aluminum monobasic stearate, Al(OH)2[OOC(CH2)16CH3] when its solution is mixed with a solution of sodium stearate.
Chemical Properties
white to pale yellow crystalline solid
Uses
Pharmaceutical preparations of aluminum chloride hexahydrate are used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition involving excessive sweating. It is also employed in deodorants, antiperspirant preparations, dyeing fabrics, refining crude oil, textile finishing, manufacturing parchment paper, preserving the wood and disinfecting stables. It also finds use as a reagent in organic synthesis. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is also useful in water treatment process, medicine and cosmetic products.
Uses
The anhydrous form suitable as an acid catalyst, especially in Friedel-Crafts type reactions; in cracking of petroleum; in manufacture of rubbers, lubricants. The hexahydrate form used in preserving wood; disinfecting stables, slaughterhouses, etc.; in deodorants and antiperspirant preparations; refining crude oil; dyeing fabrics; manufacture of parchment paper.
Uses
in preserving wood, disinfecting stables, etc.; in deodorants and antiperspirant preparations; in refining crude oil, and dyeing
fabrics; in dental ceramics; in topical astringents
Indications
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (6.25% Xerac A-C) is an effective antiperspirant
that has also an antibacterial effect. It may be useful in cases of acne
in which sweating is prominent or appears to be aggravating the disease, but
its effects have not been well studied.
Definition
ChEBI: Aluminium trichloride hexahydrate is a hydrate. It contains an aluminium trichloride.
