Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate stands out as a prominent chemical compound with the formula AlCl3·6H2O. Most folks see it as a white or clear crystalline solid, sometimes appearing in powder or even liquid solution forms, depending on how it’s shipped and stored. People handling this material find distinct features: it deliquesces quickly, meaning it absorbs water from the air and forms a syrupy liquid if left exposed. This property always reminds me how crucial careful storage is, especially for bulk quantities or workplace inventories where even a tiny breach in container seals leads to a sticky cleanup.
Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate forms monoclinic crystals. These crystals hold a specific gravity close to 2.4 g/cm³—noticeably dense for a salt packed with water molecules. The melting point sits below 100°C, which tells you it doesn’t take much heat to start breaking it down into its anhydrous form and water vapor. In the lab, I’ve watched this compound change from solid crystal flakes to pearls as humidity shifts, then dissolve away in water, forming very acidic solutions. In solution, it releases heat, so anyone preparing a stock solution in the lab knows to pour slow and mind the rise in temperature.
The material’s molecular formula is AlCl3·6H2O, so every formula unit brings six molecules of water. Its density sits at about 1.8 g/cm³ in its most common forms. You might see it listed among raw materials under HS Code 2827.32.00, the international tariff code that covers various chlorides for industrial and laboratory use. In practice, the product comes as flakes, powder, pearls, or solid blocks, and some manufacturers provide a concentrated liquid solution. Each form behaves differently in application: flakes dissolve fast but often clump, powder disperses best for rapid mixing, pearls are less prone to dust, and liquid or solution forms save on prep time for chemical processes.
Some readers might remember aluminum chloride hexahydrate as a core ingredient in water treatment, where it helps pull suspended solids out of municipal water. It’s also essential in the pharmaceutical world, showing up as a catalyst to speed up organic syntheses. Textile finishing, dye manufacturing, and even deodorant production tap into its abilities. In research, I’ve seen it used when chemists pull metals out of ores or prepare specialty aluminum compounds for further processing. It doesn’t just sit on lab shelves; people use it to solve practical problems day-to-day.
Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate doesn’t hide its hazards. Skin, eyes, and airways react quickly to dust or accidental splashes. In concentrated form, acidic solutions corrode surfaces and irritate exposed tissue. The need for gloves, goggles, and smart ventilation in workspaces can’t get overstated. Over time, inhaling even small amounts of its dust causes chronic harm to the lungs. Emergency protocols for accidental spills stress neutralizing and isolating the area, never letting this compound mix casually with bases or strong oxidizers due to the violent reaction that follows. Its run-off harms aquatic life, pushing responsible handlers to catch every drop and avoid even minor contamination of drains or soil.
From my time in bulk chemical storage, I’ve watched shipments of aluminum chloride hexahydrate degrade fast once humidity creeps in. Proper storage always means tight-sealing drums or bins, low-humidity store rooms, and regular checks for corrosion or leaks. No one wants to discover syrupy residue or caking at the bottom of a bag. Solution forms last longer when mixed fresh, kept away from air, and stored in inert, acid-resistant containers. Regular workers appreciate clear labeling, MSDS sheets within arm’s reach, and mandatory training before they can even lift a scoop.
Given the hazards, responsible use comes first. Substitutes exist for certain applications—iron or ferric salts in water treatment handle suspended particles with less risk to operators. Engineering controls like sealed mixing stations or automated transfer lines keep staff out of harm’s way. Proper PPE, eye-wash stations, and quick spill response make day-to-day use safer for people at the front lines. In the end, the balance rests between chemistry’s raw utility and its safe, sustainable handling, so the material serves human needs without trading off health or harming the wider environment.
