aluminum chloride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “aluminum chloride” mean?
A white or yellowish-white chemical compound (AlCl₃) formed from aluminium and chlorine, often used as a catalyst or reagent in chemical synthesis.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white or yellowish-white chemical compound (AlCl₃) formed from aluminium and chlorine, often used as a catalyst or reagent in chemical synthesis.
A deliquescent, corrosive compound that exists in solid, liquid, or vapor states depending on conditions, widely used in industrial chemistry, particularly in Friedel-Crafts reactions, and as a deodorant ingredient.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English uses 'aluminium', American English uses 'aluminum'. The full compound name follows this spelling: 'aluminium chloride' (UK) vs. 'aluminum chloride' (US).
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties. The spelling difference is purely orthographic.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions, though the spelling difference persists. In non-technical contexts (e.g., consumer products), the American spelling may be encountered globally.
Grammar
How to Use “aluminum chloride” in a Sentence
N of N (catalyst of aluminium chloride)N + N (aluminium chloride catalyst)Adj + N (anhydrous chloride)V + N (synthesise using aluminium chloride)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aluminum chloride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mixture was aluminium chlorided. (Non-standard, highly contrived for example only)
American English
- The reaction was aluminum chlorided. (Non-standard, highly contrived for example only)
adverb
British English
- The compound reacted aluminium chloride-like. (Non-standard, contrived)
American English
- It decomposed aluminum chloride-fast. (Non-standard, contrived)
adjective
British English
- The aluminium chloride catalyst was essential. (Attributive noun usage)
American English
- The aluminum chloride solution was prepared. (Attributive noun usage)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in procurement, supply chain, or safety data sheets for chemical manufacturing.
Academic
Central to organic chemistry textbooks and research papers on catalysis and synthesis.
Everyday
Rare. Might be seen on ingredient lists of certain antiperspirants (as aluminium chlorohydrate, a related compound).
Technical
Precise term in chemical engineering, laboratory manuals, and industrial process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aluminum chloride”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aluminum chloride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aluminum chloride”
- Misspelling as 'aluminum chlori**n**e' (wrong element).
- Confusing it with 'aluminium chlorohydrate' (a different compound used in antiperspirants).
- Incorrect stress in speech: stressing the second syllable of 'chloride' (/ˈklɔːr.aɪd/ is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its pure form it is corrosive, hygroscopic, and reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen chloride gas. It requires careful handling.
They are different compounds. Alum is a double sulfate salt (e.g., potassium aluminium sulfate), while aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a simple chloride salt with distinct chemical properties.
The element was named 'aluminium' (1812) by its British discoverer, following the '-ium' pattern of other metals. The shorter 'aluminum' was proposed in the US and became standard in American English.
Not typically. Most antiperspirants use a different, water-soluble compound like aluminium chlorohydrate, which is less irritating to skin.
A white or yellowish-white chemical compound (AlCl₃) formed from aluminium and chlorine, often used as a catalyst or reagent in chemical synthesis.
Aluminum chloride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Aluminum chloride: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæl.ʊˈmɪn.i.əm ˈklɔː.raɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈluː.mə.nəm ˈklɔːr.aɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Ali' (Al for aluminium) 'mined' a 'chloride' salt. Al + mined + chloride = Aluminium Chloride.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHEMICAL IS A TOOL (for building molecules).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary industrial use of aluminium chloride?