Aluminum chloride
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] UN1726;
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] Occupational asthma confirmed by specific challenge testing in a foundry worker; [Malo] "Fumes in moist air (forms a large amount of hydrogen chloride gas). Reacts with active metals in the presence of moisture to produce hydrogen and HCl gases." Contact with the anhydrous substance causes thermal and acid burns. [CAMEO] See "Aluminum."
Restricted
Use as a registered pesticide was cancelled; [HSDB]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Explanatory Notes
VP = 1 mm Hg 100 degrees C; [HSDB] The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Aluminum chloride, anhydrous." Not TIH in land-based spills, but TiH substance released when spilled in water; [ERG 2016]
NFPA
will not burn
Adverse Effects
Asthma
Yes
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: