What Are The Properties Of Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate?
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate, also known as aluminum trichloride hexahydrate or AlCl3•6H2O, is a white crystalline solid compound that is highly soluble in water. It has several properties, including:
1. Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of aluminium chloride hexahydrate is 241.43 g/mol.
2. Appearance: It appears as a colorless or white crystalline solid.
3. Melting and Boiling Point: The melting point of aluminium chloride hexahydrate is 100 °C, and the boiling point is 180 °C.
4. Density: The density of aluminium chloride hexahydrate is 2.48 g/cm³.
5. Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and other polar solvents.
6. Hygroscopicity: Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is a hygroscopic compound, which means it can absorb moisture from the air.
7. Acidic Nature: It is a strong Lewis acid and can react with bases to form salts.
8. Reactivity: It is a highly reactive compound and can react violently with water, releasing hydrogen chloride gas.
9. Uses: It is used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, as a coagulating agent in the production of rubber, and in the production of aluminum metal.
Overall, aluminium chloride hexahydrate is a versatile and important chemical compound with various industrial applications due to its unique properties.