Specifications Table

Product Name – Aluminum chloride, UltraDry™, 99.99% (metals basis)
Quantity/Pack Size – 100g, 25g, 5g
Form – Solid (powder/crystals)
Grade – UltraDry™ (anhydrous, 99.99% metals basis)
Application – Catalyst, Lewis acid, moisture-sensitive reactions

Product Overview

Aluminum chloride, UltraDry™ (99.99% metals basis) is a high-purity, anhydrous Lewis acid designed for applications where moisture contamination is critical. The UltraDry™ grade undergoes rigorous drying and packaging under inert conditions to ensure minimal water content (<50 ppm), making it ideal for reactions like Friedel-Crafts alkylations, polymerizations, and other moisture-sensitive processes. The product is supplied in hermetically sealed containers to preserve its anhydrous state during storage and handling. Its fine crystalline or powdered form provides high surface area for efficient reactivity, while the 99.99% metals basis purity minimizes trace metal impurities that could interfere with catalytic performance. The compound’s strong electrophilic nature enables it to act as a powerful catalyst in organic synthesis, though its hygroscopic properties require careful handling under dry conditions. Compatible with most organic solvents, it dissolves readily in polar aprotic media while remaining stable under recommended storage temperatures. This grade is particularly valued in advanced research settings where reproducibility and reaction control are paramount.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between UltraDry™ and regular anhydrous aluminum chloride?

The UltraDry™ grade undergoes additional drying steps and is packaged under stricter inert conditions to achieve lower moisture levels (<50 ppm) compared to standard anhydrous grades, which typically contain 100-500 ppm water. This reduces side reactions in sensitive applications.

2. Can this product be used in reactions requiring sub-ppm moisture levels?

While UltraDry™ aluminum chloride is optimized for low moisture, reactions requiring sub-ppm levels may need further drying (e.g., under vacuum with a desiccant) or specialized grades. Always verify moisture specifications for your specific protocol.

3. What is the shelf life of UltraDry™ aluminum chloride when unopened?

When stored unopened in its original packaging at room temperature (15-25°C), the product retains its anhydrous properties for up to 24 months. Exposure to humidity accelerates degradation, so reseal containers promptly after use.

4. Is this compatible with glassware, or does it require PTFE-coated equipment?

The product can be used with standard borosilicate glassware for short-term reactions, but prolonged contact may etch glass due to its acidic nature. For long-duration processes or high concentrations, PTFE-lined or polypropylene equipment is recommended.

5. How does the 99.99% metals basis purity impact catalytic performance?

The high metals basis purity (99.99%) ensures minimal trace metal contaminants (e.g., Fe, Cu, Ni), which can act as competing catalysts or poison reaction pathways. This is critical for achieving consistent yields and selectivity in metal-sensitive transformations.