How Do You Spell ALUMINIUM TRICHLORIDE?

Pronunciation: [ˌaljʊmˈɪni͡əm tɹˈɪklɔːɹˌa͡ɪd] (IPA)

Aluminium Trichloride is a chemical compound with the molecular formula of AlCl3. The pronunciation of this word is [əˈluːmɪniəm traɪˈklɔːraɪd]. In the IPA phonetic transcription, the first syllable "a-" is pronounced as "uh" and the second syllable "lu-" is pronounced as "loo". The "m" is sounded as "muh". The third syllable "ni-" is pronounced as "nee" and "um" is pronounced as "uhm". The stress falls on the second syllable. The next part "tri-" is pronounced as "try" and "chloride" as "klo-ride".

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ALUMINIUM TRICHLORIDE Meaning and Definition

  1. Aluminium trichloride is an inorganic compound with the formula AlCl3. It is a crystalline white solid that is highly reactive and is commonly used as a catalyst in various chemical reactions. Aluminium trichloride is composed of one aluminium atom bonded to three chlorine atoms, resulting in a trigonal planar molecular geometry.

    This compound is prepared by the reaction of aluminium with chlorine or by the reaction of aluminium oxide with hydrochloric acid. It can exist in anhydrous form or as different hydrates, depending on the conditions.

    Aluminium trichloride is widely used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, particularly in the Friedel-Crafts reaction, which involves the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. It is also a critical component in the production of various polymers, such as polyolefins and polyesters. Furthermore, this compound finds application in the production of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum refining processes.

    Due to its strong Lewis acid properties, it can react violently with water or moisture, releasing hydrogen chloride gas. It is corrosive and must be handled with care, preferably under inert atmospheres or in well-ventilated areas. Aluminium trichloride has a high affinity for moisture and can form complexes with molecules containing unshared electron pairs, making it a versatile and indispensable compound in many chemical reactions and industrial applications.

Etymology of ALUMINIUM TRICHLORIDE

The word "aluminium trichloride" is composed of two main parts: "aluminium" and "trichloride".

1. Aluminium: The term "aluminium" derives from the Latin word "alumen" meaning "alum". The name "alum" was given to a group of chemical compounds that have similar properties. The English chemist Sir Humphry Davy proposed the name "aluminum" for the metal in 1808, but it was later changed to "aluminium" to conform with other elements' names like sodium and potassium.

2. Trichloride: The term "trichloride" consists of two elements: "tri-" and "chloride". "Tri-" is a prefix indicating three, and "chloride" refers to a compound that contains chlorine. Therefore, "trichloride" signifies a compound with three chlorine atoms.