ALUMINUM FLUORIDE

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

AlF₃

H.S.CODE

CLASSIFICATION

EXTRA NOTES

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

AUTOIGNITION

NFPA RATINGS

REFRACTIVE INDEX

Stable under ordinary conditions.

EXTERNAL LINKS & GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Wikipedia Linking

Material Safety Data Sheet (Alcoa)

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http://www.alcoa.com/
Product Applications:Aluminum fluoride is used by aluminum producers to lower the melting point of electrolytes in the smelting process and increase production efficiency. It is also used as a flux ingredient for the removal of magnesium in the refining of aluminum scrap. When magnesium-bearing aluminum alloys are melted, fluoride reacts with the magnesium and permits removal of this element. This enables remelters to produce aluminum alloys substantially free of magnesium. The ceramic industry uses aluminum fluoride for some body and glaze mixtures and in the production of specialty refractory products. Aluminum fluoride is used in the manufacture of aluminum silicates and in the glass industry as a filler.

Local:  Applications: Aluminium Fluoride is used in aluminum production and ceramics and glass manufacturing, as a catalyst for organic synthesis, inhibitor of fermentation.

APPEARANCE

2.0% max

Aluminum (Aluminium in British English) is a silver-white ( with a face-centered cubic crystalline structure), ductile and light metal element in the member of group IIIa of the periodic table. Symbol Al; Atomic number 13; atomic mass 26.98154; melting point ca 660°C; boiling point ca  2,467°C; specific gravity 2.6989 at 20°C; valence +3; electronic config. [Ne]3s²3p¹. Aluminium crystallizes in a face-centered cubic lattice that is stable from 4 K to melting point. It is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity (60% of copper's). The coordination number is 12, it is light, malleable soft. Though pure aluminium is soft and lacks strength, it imparts a variety of useful properties including strong hardness when alloyed with small amounts of Cu, Mg, Si, Mn and other elements. Aluminum is very reactive chemically but it resists corrosion by the self-protecting continuous thin layer of oxidation which forms quickly on the nascent aluminium surface when exposed to oxygen, water or other oxidants and prevents further corrosion. The chemical properties of aluminium resemble those of beryllium and silicon. Due to its amphoteric character, it is rapidly attacked by alkalis (such as lye) and by mineral acids. Aluminium begins to polymerize when the pH of an acidic solution increases notably over pH 4.5. Polymerization implies two hydroxyls shared by two aluminium atoms in the first step, e.g., 2 Al(OH)(H₂O)₅²⁺ -> Al₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₈⁴⁺ + 2 H₂O. Polymerization gradually proceeds to larger structures, eventually leading to the formation of the Al₁₃ (polycation). As polymers coalesce, they increase in relative molecular mass, eventually becoming large enough to precipitate aluminium hydroxide from solution. Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals in the earth. It is not found in nature as the free element but in combination in clay, bauxite, mica, feldspar, alum, cryolite, and in the several forms of alumina such as emery, corundum, sapphire, and ruby (forms of aluminum oxides). Aluminum is very important in world economy. Aluminium is allied to form many hard, durable, light, corrosion-resistant and readily worked into a variety of shapes which are vital to the building, transportation, aerospace and consumer durable goods industries. The development of aluminum coating that reflects both visible light and radiant heat is useful in the industry of telescope mirrors, jewelry and colored wall covering.  Aluminum powder is used in paints and in welding with iron oxide. The mixture (called thermite) gives off large amounts of heat when ignited. Finely divided aluminium dust can ignite and cause explosions. It is used in making explosives. Aluminum is used in packing industry as cans and foil. Owing to the high ratio of Al³⁺ in aqueous solutions, the ion proteolyses part of the water envelope and forms hydroxo complexes. It can also complex with electron-rich species, such as fluoride and chloride.  Commercial aluminum compounds in chemical industry are:

• Alum: Various isomorphous solid sulfates composed of trivalent metals and univalent metals, especially aluminum potassium sulfate, AlK(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, a white, crystalline compound. Alums have the general formula M₂SO₄·M^III₂(SO₄)₃·24H₂O, where M is one of alkali metals (potassium, sodium, rubidium, caesium, silver. thallium or ammonium), and M^III denotes one of the trivalent cation (e.g., aluminum, chromium, iron, manganese, cobalt, or titanium). In aqueous solution, alums show all the chemical properties that their components show separately. These salts are used in water purification, leather tanning, coagulation agent for rubber latex, mordant dyeing, fireproofing textiles, modifying concrete, baking powder, preparation of lakes, clarifying of turbid liquids and as astringents.
• Potassium aluminum sulfate (KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, CAS RN: 7784-24-9 (Dodecahydrate), 10043-67-1 (Anhydrous))
• Sodium aluminum sulfate (NaAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, CAS RN: 10102-71-3)
• Ammonium aluminum sulfate (NH₄Al(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, CASR RN: 7784-25-0 (Anhydrous), 7784-26-1 (Dodecahydrate))
• Chromium potassium sulfate (KCr(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, CAS RN: 10141-00-1 (Anhydrous), 7788-99-0 (Dodecahydrate))
• Aluminum fluorosulfate (FAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O, CAS RN: 73680-58-7)

• Alumina (Al₂O₃, CAS RN: 1344-28-1, 11092-32-3): White crystalline powder that is found as balls or lump of various mesh sizes. Aluminium oxide is found in different modifications. The natural form occurs as corundum (alpha-Al₂O₃) or in hydrated forms. The hexagonally closest-packed alpha-modification (corundum) is the most stable oxide. Emery is an abrasive composed of pulverized, impure corundum, and ruby and sapphire are the gem varieties of the mineral corundum occurs as masses in limestone and as segregations in igneous rock. All transitional aluminas produced at low temperatures converts to alpha-alumina at high temperature (1400°C) since a series of alumina formation by dehydration of the hydroxides contain a small proportion of hydroxyl groups and retaining some chemical reactivity. Example are gamma-aluminas (or activated aluminas) formed by dehydration at below 600°C and rho-aluminas formed by dehydration at higher temperatures (900-1000°C) which are nearly anhydrous Al₂O₃. The structural and compositional differences among various forms of alumina are associated with differing particulate size, particulate surface area, surface reactivity and catalytic activity. Alumina is used in abrasive and as a adsorbent as well as in manufacturing other aluminum compounds, paper, spark plugs (Alumina porcelain), fluxes, heat resistance fiber and chromatographic analysis. The form of balls to  inch (6.4 to 19 millimeters) in diameter are used in reactor and catalytic beds. Alumina bricks containing 50, 60, or 70% alumina are used in high temperature applications. Alumina bubble bricks which are manufactured by passing an air jet over molten alumina to produce small hollow bubbles are used to line kiln walls. Alumina fibers (also known as sapphire whiskers), linear crystals of alumina which have a strength of up to 200,000 lb/in² are used in plastics as a filler to improve heat resistance and dielectric properties. aluminous cements containing high percentage of alumina sets to a high strength in 24 hours and are used for constructing bank walls and laying roads. Various forms of aluminum oxides;
• Bayerite (CAS RN: 20257-20-9, alpha-aluminium trihydroxide, alpha-Al(OH)₃ or alpha-Al₂O₃3H₂O)
• Boehmite (CAS RN:1318-23-6, gamma-AlO(OH) or gamma-Al₂O₃H₂O)
• Corundum (CAS RN:1302-74-5, alpha-Alumina , Al₂O₃)
• Diaspore (CAS RN:14457-84-2, alpha-AlO(OH) or alpha-Al₂O₃H₂O)
• Gibbsite (CAS RN: 14762-49-3, , gamma-aluminium, gamma-Al(OH)₃ or gamma-Al₂O₃3H₂O)
• Nordstrandite (CAS RN: 13840-05-6, beta-aluminium trihydroxide, beta-Al(OH)₃ or beta-Al₂O₃3H₂O)
• Aluminate: A negative ion usually assigned the formula AlO2- and derived from aluminum hydroxide.
• Aluminide: An intermetallic alloy containing aluminum plus another element, such as nickel, iron, or titanium.
• Aluminite (Al₂(SO₄)(OH)₄·7H₂O, also known as websterite) Native monoclinic hydrous aluminum sulfate; used in tanning, papermaking, and water purification.
• Aluminize :To apply a film of aluminum to a material, such as glass.  To form a protective surface alloy on a metal by treatment at elevated temperature with aluminum or an aluminum compound.
• Aluminized explosive: An explosive to which aluminum has been added.
• Aluminized Steel: A steel coated with an aluminum-iron alloy coating; prepared by dip-coating and diffusing aluminum into steel at 870°C; resists scaling and oxidation up to 900°C. Also known as alumetized steel; calorized steel.
• Aluminum Alkoxides: used in varnishes, for textile impregnation, in cosmetics and as an intermediate in pharmaceutical production
• Aluminum Antimonide (AlSb); employed in the semiconductor technology industry
• Aluminum Borate: used in the production of glass and ceramics
• Aluminum Butylate (Al(OC₄H₉)₃, CAS RN: 2269-22-9)
• Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃, CAS RN: 7446-70-0): Used as a catalyst in the process of Friedel Crafts. (It has an electron deficient molecule forming only 3 bonds, and has no lone pairs. The catalyst acts as an electron acceptor for a lone pair on the halide atom). It is widely used in the manufacturing of petrochemicals such as alkylbenzene, ethylbenzene, alkyl aryl ketone, ethyl chloride. It is also used in the manufacturing pharmaceuticals, dyes intermediates and other organics chemicals such as anthraquinone, phthalocyanines, acetophenone, butyl rubber, phenylethyl alcohols. It is used as a nucleu inhibitor in the production of titanium dioxide. Aluminum Chloride is also used in the production of aluminum, in the metallurgical industry and as a flux in aluminum smelting; in the production of rubber; lubricants and wood preservatives, and in cosmetics as an astringent; active ingredient in antiperspirants.
• Aluminum Chlorohydrate (AlCl(OH)₅, CAS RN: 1327-41-9, 11097-68-0, 84861-98-3)
• Aluminum Fluoride (AlF₃, 7784-18-1): used in aluminum production and ceramics and glass manufacturing, as a catalyst for organic synthesis, inhibitor of fermentation.
• Aluminum Halogenides, hydrides and lower aluminium alkyls react violently with molecular oxygen, and are spontaneously inflammable in air and explosive with water. Industrially these compounds are used as co-catalysts for organometallic and organic synthesis, and as intermediates in various production processes.
• Aluminum Hydroxide (Al₂O₃·3H₂O, or Al(OH)₃,CAS RN: 21645-51-2 ) Hydrated alumina, or simply hydrate, is more accurately chemically designated as aluminum trihydroxide, Al(OH)₃. The aluminium hydroxides found abundantly in nature are gibbsite, diaspore, and boehmite. They all convert to aluminium oxide when heated. Aluminum Hydroxide is a non-abrasive powder with a Mohs' hardness index of 2.5 - 3.5 and a specific gravity of 2.42. Alumina trihydrate is the largest volume flame retardant used in the world. On heating to 200°C, hydrated alumina decomposes into 66% alumina and 34% water. This irreversible process is, in part, what makes ATH an effective flame retardant.  Aluminium hydroxide is also used as an adsorbent, emulsifier, ion exchanger, mordant, antacid, and filtering medium. It is also used in the manufacture of paper, ceramics, printing inks, detergents, for waterproofing fabrics and in dentrifrices and antiperspirants
• Aluminum Isopropylate (Al(OCH(CH₃)₂)₃, CAS RN: 555-31-7): used in the soap and paint industries; waterproofing textiles
• Aluminum Lactate (Al(C₃H₅O₃)₃, CAS RN: 18917-91-4)
• Aluminum Magnesium Silicate (MgAl₂(SiO₄)₂, )
• Aluminum Nitrate (Al(NO₃)₃, CAS RN: 13473-90-0)
• Aluminum Orthophosphate (AlPO₄, CAS RN: 7784-30-7): Flux for the production of glass, mixture of ceramic, waterproofing concrete and dental cements, in cosmetics as a emollient, flame retardant, catalyst in organic synthesis, fireproofing textile, pharmaceuticals, dyes.
• Aluminum Phosphide (AlP): used as a rodenticide and pesticide.
• Aluminum Selenide (AlSe): employed in the semiconductor technology industry
• Aluminum Silicates (Clay); They have cation-exchange capacity and the amounts and types of clay minerals in a soil largely determine its physical properties and suitability for agriculture. Used in component of dental cement; antacid, food additives
• Aluminum Sulfate: can exist with varying proportions of water, the common form being Al₂(SO₄)₃•18H₂O. It is almost insoluble in anhydrous alcohol, but readily soluble in water. Above 770°C decomposition to aluminium oxide is observed. Aluminium sulfate is mainly used in water treatment, dyeing, leather tanning and in the production of other aluminium compounds. Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) is a white crystalline product which is almost insoluble in anhydrous alcohol, but readily soluble in water. It decomposes to aluminium oxide on heating or on burning (above 770°C) producing toxic and corrosive fumes including sulfur oxides. Its can exist with a variable number of water molecules (n close to 18), the form being Al₂(SO₄)₃•nH₂O. It dissolves with clear water at the concentration of 1 - 5%. The solution in water is a medium strong acid reacts with alkalis and  attacks many metals in presence of water.  It is widely applied as a coagulant for clarification of water treatment for industrial and drinking and in dyeing, leather tanning, in paper production, as a mordant in dyeing, and as a starting material for the production of other aluminium compounds. Another application for hydrated alumina is for the manufacture of zeolites.
• aluminum Trisulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃, CAS RN: 10043-01-3)
• Ammonium Alum (NH₄Al(SO₄)₂12H₂O, CAS RN: 7784-26-1)
• Anorthosite (Na₂OAl₂O₃6SiO₂): Sodium calcium silicoaluminate
• Bauxite (CAS RN: 1318-16-7)
• Cryolite (Na₃AlF₆, CAS RN: 15096-52-3) Sodium calcium
• Kaolinite (Aluminium silicate, hydrate -Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄ )
• Potash Alum (K(AlO)₃(SO₄)₂12H₂O, CAS RN: 7784-24-9)
• Sodium Alum (NaAl(SO₄)₂12H₂O, CAS RN: 7784-28-3)
• Sodium Aluminate (NaAlO₂, Na₂OAl₂O₃ or Na₂Al₂O_4,, CAS RN: 1302-42-7)
• Sodium Aluminium Phosphate: used in food additives
• Topaz (Aluminium Silicofluoride, 2Al₂O₃2Al(F,OH)₃3SiO₂ )
• Trimethylaluminium (Al(CH₃)₃, CAS RN: 75-24-1)