Why is Aluminium Trifluoride added to cryolite during smelting?

It adjusts the ratio of the electrolyte bath, lowering the liquidus temperature which allows the smelting process to occur at lower temperatures, saving significant energy.

How should Aluminium Trifluoride be stored?

It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. It is essential to keep the packaging tightly sealed to avoid moisture absorption, which can lead to the release of hydrogen fluoride at high temperatures.

Is this product suitable for the glass industry?

Yes, it is used as a flux in the manufacture of specialty glass and as an ingredient in certain types of optical glass to reach specific refractive indices.

Watch Video MSDS Specifications

Aluminium Trifluoride | 7784-18-1

Cas No :

7784-18-1

Synonyms :

Form :

Solid

Molecular Weight :

83.98 G/Mol

Molecular Formula :

ALF₃

Boiling Point :

1700 °C

Melting Point :

1291 °C

Flash Point :

500 °C

Solubility :

Insoluble In Water

Description :

Overview of Aluminium Trifluoride

Aluminium Trifluoride ( $AlF_3$ ) is a vital inorganic compound with a Molecular Weight of 83.98 g/mol and a high Melting Point of 1,291°C. As a premier Industrial Chemical manufacturer, Chemical Bull provides high-grade Aluminium Trifluoride, primarily used as an additive in the production of aluminium metal.

Identified by CAS 7784-18-1, this white crystalline solid is chemically robust and thermally stable. It is indispensable in the electrochemical process of aluminium extraction, where it serves to optimise the molten electrolyte bath.

Applications of Aluminium Trifluoride

Primary Aluminium Smelting (Metallurgy)

Aluminium Trifluoride is the most significant additive in the Hall-Héroult process:

Electrolyte Adjustment: It is added to the molten cryolite bath to lower the melting point and increase the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte.
Efficiency Gains: By optimizing the bath chemistry, $AlF_3$ reduces power consumption and improves the overall current efficiency of the smelting cells.
Synergistic Use: It is often managed alongside other smelting chemicals to maintain the precise chemical balance required for high-purity aluminum extraction.

Specialized Glass & Ceramics

In the Industrial Chemicals sector, it serves high-tech manufacturing:

Optical Glass: Used in the production of low-index optical fibres and specialised lenses due to its transparency in the UV to IR range.
Ceramic Glazes: Acts as an effective flux in ceramic bodies and glazes, helping to lower firing temperatures. During final processing of specialized ceramics, pH regulators like Lactic Acid may be utilized in auxiliary cleaning stages.

Catalyst in Organic Synthesis

Fluorination Agent: $AlF_3$ acts as a mild Lewis acid catalyst in several organic transformations, including the synthesis of fluorinated hydrocarbons.
Solvent Compatibility: It is often used in non-aqueous systems where stability at high temperatures is required, similar to the anhydrous environments needed for Sodium Ethoxide reactions.

Where to Buy Aluminium Trifluoride?

Aluminium Trifluoride Manufacture

Chemical Bull facilitates Aluminium Trifluoride manufacture through the reaction of hydrogen fluoride with alumina or aluminum hydroxide. Our production partners ensure a low-impurity profile, specifically controlling for moisture and silica content, which are critical for smelting efficiency.

Aluminium Trifluoride Supplier & Distributor

As a global supplier and distributor, we handle the logistics of bulk $AlF_3$ for the metallurgical industry. We provide various grades (anhydrous and hydrates) in durable, moisture-resistant packaging such as 25kg bags or jumbo bags (1MT) to ensure the material remains dry and free-flowing.

Aluminium Trifluoride MSDS

Aluminium Trifluoride is a non-flammable but hazardous substance if inhaled or ingested. Every batch is supplied with an updated MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and a COA (Certificate of Analysis). These documents provide essential data on toxicity levels, handling precautions, and protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Safety, Handling & Professional Storage

Handling: Avoid dust generation. $AlF_3$ can release toxic hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas if exposed to strong acids. Always use respiratory protection and chemical-resistant gloves.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to caking and reduced performance in electrolytic cells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main role of $AlF_3$ in aluminum production?
It primarily lowers the melting point of the electrolyte bath (cryolite), which saves energy and allows the smelting process to occur at lower temperatures.
Is Aluminium Trifluoride (CAS 7784-18-1) soluble in water?
It has very low solubility in water at room temperature, making it stable for industrial storage but requiring care in aqueous disposal systems.
Can $AlF_3$ be used in place of other fluoride fluxes?
While it is a specific additive for aluminum, its high melting point and Lewis acid properties make it unique compared to other fluorides used in different metallurgical processes.