Question

Why ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$ Anhydrous is used as a catalyst?

Answer 1

1. Anhydrous ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$ is used as a catalyst in various organic syntheses.
2. ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$ needs to be anhydrous because it reacts vigorously with water and is left with no ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$in the reaction. We use anhydrous ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$ in the reactions as a catalyst, as it does not, reacts with water.
3. Anhydrous ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$acts as a Lewis acid which can accept electrons from electron-rich systems and leads to the formation of intermediate carbocation used in electrophilic substitution reactions.
4. It also speeds up the reaction.
5. Anhydrous ${\mathrm{AlCl}}_3$ is used as a catalyst in reactions like Friedel-Craft alkylation, acylation, halogenations, and many other reactions.