Inorganic Chemicals

Formula: AlCl3•6H2O; MW 241.31

Uses
The hexahydrate is used in the preparation of deodorant and antiperspirant. Also, it is applied in textile finishing to improve the antistatic characteristics and flammability ratings of various textile materials. Commercially, it is sold as crystalline powder or as a 28% solution in water.

Physical Properties
White or yellowish deliquescent powder; faint odor of HCl; density 2.40 g/cm3; soluble in water and polar organic solvents such as alcohol; aqueous solution acidic.

Preparation
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is prepared by dissolving Al(OH)3 in conc. HCl and passing gaseous HCl through the solution at 0°C. The precipitate is washed with diethyl ether and dried. Alternatively, it is prepared by hydrolyzing anhydrous AlCl3 in cold dilute HCl.

Reactions
Decomposes to alumina when heated at 300°C;

Reacts with caustic soda solution forming gelatinous precipitate of aluminum hydroxide (hydrous aluminum oxide); yields aluminum monobasic stearate, Al(OH)2[OOC(CH2)16CH3] when its solution is mixed with a solution of sodium stearate.