aluminium chloride
Học thuậtThân thiện
A chemist carefully handles a sealed container of aluminium chloride in the laboratory.
Definition
Noun 1. A chemical compound: Aluminium chloride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula AlCl₃. It is primarily used as a catalyst in chemical reactions and as a wood preservative.
Usage Examples
- The chemist added aluminium chloride to the reaction mixture to act as a catalyst.
- Aluminium chloride is applied to lumber to protect it from fungal decay and insects.
- In the laboratory, anhydrous aluminium chloride must be handled in a dry environment as it reacts violently with water.
Advanced Usage
- As a Lewis acid catalyst: In organic chemistry, anhydrous aluminium chloride is a classic and powerful Lewis acid catalyst, essential for reactions like Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation.
- Example: Anhydrous aluminium chloride is indispensable for catalyzing the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene rings.
- In antiperspirants: Aluminium chlorohydrate, a related compound, is common in antiperspirants, while aluminium chloride hexahydrate is used in stronger clinical-strength formulations.
- Example: Some prescription antiperspirants contain aluminium chloride hexahydrate to control excessive sweating.
Variants and Related Words
- Aluminum chloride: The American English spelling of the compound.
- AlCl₃: The chemical formula for aluminium chloride.
- Anhydrous aluminium chloride: The water-free form, a highly reactive and hygroscopic solid.
- Aluminium chlorohydrate: A different, closely related aluminium salt used in consumer antiperspirants.
Synonyms
- Aluminum chloride (US spelling)
- Aluminum trichloride (systematic name)
Notes on Different Meanings
The term "aluminium chloride" refers specifically to the compound AlCl₃. Its primary meanings are industrial (catalyst, preservative) and chemical. Its use in personal care (antiperspirants) typically involves a hydrated form or a chemically modified relative (chlorohydrate), not the pure, anhydrous compound used in synthesis.
A chemist carefully handles a sealed container of aluminium chloride in the laboratory.
Noun
- a chloride used as a wood preservative or catalyst