Aluminum Bromide Hexahydrate

Aluminum bromide hexahydrate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula AlBr3·6H2O. It consists of one aluminum ion (Al3+) and three bromide ions (Br-) that are surrounded by six water molecules (H2O), making it a hydrated salt.

This compound is a white or colorless crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and other polar solvents. It has a melting point of around 95°C and decomposes at higher temperatures, releasing hydrogen bromide gas and leaving behind anhydrous aluminum bromide.

Aluminum bromide hexahydrate is primarily used as a catalyst in organic synthesis reactions such as the Friedel-Crafts reaction, which involves the acylation or alkylation of aromatic compounds. It can also be used as a reagent in the preparation of other aluminum compounds and as a flocculating agent in water treatment.

Like other metal halides, aluminum bromide hexahydrate is highly reactive and must be handled with care. It can cause severe skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, so proper protective equipment should be worn when handling the compound.