It is used as a catalyst for Friedel-Crafts acylation and alkylation of aromatic compounds. It is one of the most commonly employed Lewis acids for a wide variety of organic transformations. It catalyzes the ene reaction, polymerization, and isomerization reactions. For example, it can be used to synthesis ethyl benzene which is a precursor for producing polystyrene. It can be used for producing dodecylbenzene, a key intermediate for detergents. It is useful in the production of anthroquinone, the presursor for dyestuffs. It is used in the synthesis of bis(arene) metal complexes, through Fischer-Hafner synthesis. Gattermann-Koch reaction employs aluminum chloride for introducing formyl group onto aromatic rings.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.