Aluminium isopropoxide is usually described with the formula Al(O-i-Pr)3, where i-Pr is the isopropyl group (CH(CH3)2). This colourless solid is a useful reagent in organic synthesis. The structure of this compound is complex, possibly time dependent, and may depend on the solvent. It is primarily used in the oil and gas industry in combination with phosphate esters to form an anionic association polymer in which the aluminium as the cross-linking agent. Such gelling agents are used as fluid loss control additives in drilling operations.
Aluminum isopropoxide on the market is mostly white translucent block, cylindrical small block solid or powder, soluble in isopropanol, ethanol, toluene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and other organic solvents (easy to dissolve when heated to 70 °C), decomposed when it meets water, has strong water absorption, and is easily decomposed into aluminum hydroxide and isopropanol.)
Meerwein-Ponndorf reactions; alcoholysis and ester exchange; synthesis of higher alkoxides, chelates, and acylates; formation of aluminum soaps, formulation of paints; waterproofing finishes for textiles.
It is used in a number of organic syntheticreactions and in the manufacture of manytypes of products, including aluminum soaps,paints, and waterproofing finishes.
Alkyl phosphate esters in conjunction with aluminium isopropoxide have been used as fluid loss additives in drilling fluid compositions. It is important for drilling fluids to efficiently and quickly form a filter cake to minimise fluid loss and allow flow of fluids into the wellbore during production. In the alkyl phosphate ester case, it is cross‐linked with the aluminium compound to form a complex anionic polymer, which acts as a gelling agent to prevent fluid loss.
Aluminum isopropoxide is synthesized by the reaction of isopropanol and aluminum under the catalysis of alumina. Raw material consumption quota: isopropyl alcohol 1255kg/t, aluminum 166kg/t.
The flash point of this compound is 26°C
(79°F) (Bretzinger and Josten). It is less
flammable than the sec- and tert-alkoxides
of alkali metals. Ignition may occur when
this compound is heated in moist air.It decomposes in water. The reaction is exothermic,
producing isopropanol. It may decompose
when heated to 250°C (482°F), producing
highly flammable isopropyl ether.
Redistil it under vacuum. Hygroscopic. [Robinson & Peak J Phys Chem 39 1127 1935, Beilstein 1 IV 1468.]
