Question

What are the side effects of Aluminum chloride?

Answer 1

Aluminum chloride (${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$):

1. It is also known as Aluminum trichloride which is a white color solid but it turns into yellow color when Iron chloride contaminates it.
2. It has a low boiling point and melting point.
3. It consists of Aluminum and Chlorine in the ratio of $1:3$ the molar mass $133.341{\mathrm{gmol}}^{-1}$.

Uses:

1. Used in the manufacturing of Aluminum metal.
2. It acts as a Lewis acid in the Friedel-craft reaction for both alkylation and acylation.
3. It is used in the polymerization and isomerization reaction of the light molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Effects:

1. It tends to absorb moisture from the air that becomes highly acidic and forms a sticky substance.
2. It also corrodes the materials like stainless steel and rubber.
3. It can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs during inhaling.
4. It also damages the nerve tissues and causes permanent destruction.