Skip to main content

Aluminium trifluoride

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
AlF3
CAS number
7784-18-1
IUPAC name
trifluoroalumane
State
State

At room temperature, aluminium trifluoride is in a solid state. It has a robust crystalline structure that maintains its solid form under ambient conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 291.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 564.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 290.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 563.00
General information
Molecular weight
83.98g/mol
Molar mass
83.9770g/mol
Density
2.8820g/cm3
Appearence

Aluminium trifluoride appears as a white, odourless crystalline solid. Its crystalline form is usually in the shape of trigonal crystals, resembling a fine white powder when observed in bulk quantities.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trifluoroalumane (AlF3)

Trifluoroalumane, known chemically as AlF3, is an intriguing compound with unique solubility characteristics. Generally, when assessing the solubility of salts such as AlF3, several factors come into play:

  • Polarity of the solvent: AlF3 is primarily insoluble in nonpolar solvents due to its ionic nature.
  • Ionic bonds: The strong ionic bonds present in trifluoroalumane lead to a low solubility in water under standard conditions.
  • Temperature effects: The solubility may increase with temperature, but this is often minimal for this compound.
  • Electrolytic behavior: When dissolved in a suitable polar solvent, AlF3 can exhibit electrolytic properties, producing aluminum ions and fluoride ions.

Despite its limited solubility, it is important to note that trifluoroalumane can still play a significant role in various chemical processes. As a consequence, understanding its solubility is crucial for applications in materials science and inorganic chemistry. In conclusion, while AlF3 is not highly soluble in water, its behavior in different solvents can lead to interesting and useful reactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trifluoroalumane

Trifluoroalumane, with the chemical formula AlF3, is a fascinating compound that plays a significant role in various chemical processes and applications. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Unique Properties: Trifluoroalumane is notable for its acidic properties, which arise from its ability to coordinate with Lewis bases. This makes it a useful catalyst in various reactions.
  • Industrial Applications: It is widely used in the production of aluminum, particularly in the Hall-Héroult process, which is the primary method of extracting aluminum from its ore.
  • Interaction with Water: Trifluoroalumane reacts vigorously with water, producing fluorine and aluminum hydroxide. This reaction highlights the compound's reactivity and its importance in understanding chemical behavior.
  • Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of other fluorinated compounds, showcasing its utility in organic and inorganic chemistry.
  • Environmental Impact: Due to its fluorine content, there is ongoing research into the environmental effects of trifluoroalumane and similar compounds, particularly concerning their role in atmospheric chemistry and greenhouse gas emissions.

As an interesting quote from a renowned chemist puts it, "The reactivity of aluminum compounds continues to surprise us, revealing new pathways in chemical synthesis." Trifluoroalumane exemplifies this notion, pushing forward our understanding and applications of aluminum derivatives.

Overall, trifluoroalumane is more than just a simple compound; it stands at the intersection of industrial chemistry, environmental considerations, and advanced research, making it a noteworthy subject of study for chemists and students alike.

Synonyms
aluminum fluoride
Aluminum trifluoride
trifluoroalumane
AlF3
Fluorid hlinity
Aluminium fluorure
trifluoridoaluminium
CCRIS 2282
HSDB 600
EINECS 232-051-1
Aluminum fluoride, anhydrous
UNII-Z77H3IKW94
Z77H3IKW94
DTXSID8030712
Trifluoroaluminum
Aluminum fluoride anhydrous
EC 232-051-1
aluminium(III) fluoride
Fluorid hlinity [Czech]
Aluminum fluoride (AlF3)
Aluminium fluorure [French]
Aluminium Fluoratum
aluminium(3+) fluoride
Aluminum fluoride, 97%
[AlF3]
CBiol_002057
Aluminum fluoride, reagent grade
DTXCID6010712
CHEBI:49464
Bio1_000343
Bio1_000832
Bio1_001321
AKOS015902486
CS-0031741
Q409057
Aluminum fluoride, anhydrous, >=99.99% trace metals basis
Aluminum fluoride, anhydrous, powder, >=99.9% trace metals basis