Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is an antiperspirant that works by affecting the cells that produce sweat. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate topical (for the skin) is used to treat excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
ALUMINIUM CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE
CAS-No. : 7784-13-6
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is an antiperspirant that works by affecting the cells that produce sweat. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate topical (for the skin) is used to treat excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
SYNONYMS: Aluminum chloride hexahydrate; aluminium chloride hexahydrate; Drysol; Aluminum trichloride; hexahydrate; Xerac AC; AlCl3.6H2O; CCRIS 5552; aluminium trichloride hexahydrate; Aluminum(III) chloride, hexahydrate; ALUMINUM CHLORIDE, HEXAHYDRATE; AI3-01918; Aluminum chloride (USP); Aluminum chloride [USP]; Lumicain (TN); CHEMBL3833314; CHEBI:30115; aluminium chloride--water (1/6); aluminium(III) chloride hexahydrate; 5468AF; AKOS015902485; Aluminum chloride, 0.5M aqueous solution; LS-16465; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, puriss., 99.5%; D02845; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, ReagentPlus(R), 99%; Q27094303; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, 99.98% trace metals grade; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, JIS special grade, >=98.0%; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, SAJ first grade, >=97.0%; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, tested according to Ph.Eur.; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 98%; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, meets EP, BP, USP testing specifications; Aluminum chloride hexahydrate, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, USP, 97.0-101.0%; 7784136
Substances Formula : AlCl3 · 6H2O
Molecular weight : 241,43 g/mol
CAS-No. : 7784-13-6
EC-No. : 231-208-1
CHARACTERS
Appearance: White or slightly yellow, crystalline powder or colourless crystals, deliquescent.
Solubility: Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol (96 per cent), soluble in glycerol.
IDENTIFICATION
A. Dilute 0.1 ml of solution S2 (see Tests) to 2 ml with water. The solution gives reaction of chlorides.
B. Dilute 0.3 ml of solution S2 to 2 ml with water. The solution gives the reaction of aluminium.
TESTS
Solution S1: Dissolve 10.0 g in distilled water and dilute to 100 ml with the same solvent.
Solution S2: Dilute 50 ml of solution S1 to 100 ml with water.
Appearance of solution: Solution S2 is clear and not more intensely coloured than reference solution.
Sulphates: Maximum 100 ppm, determined on solution S1.
Iron: Maximum 10 ppm, determined on solution S1.
Alkali and alkaline-earth metals: Maximum 0.5 per cent.
Heavy metals: Maximum 20 ppm.
Water: 42.0 per cent to 48.0 per cent, determined on 50.0 mg.
ASSAY
Dissolve 0.500 g in 25.0 ml of water. Carry out the complexometric titration of aluminium. Titrate with 0.1 M zinc sulphate until the colour of the indicator changes from greyishgreen to pink. Carry out a blank titration. 1 ml of 0.1 M sodium edta is equivalent to 24.14 mg of AlCl3,6H2O.
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Aluminum Chloride USP Grade
AlCl3·6H2O -- 241.43 -- [7784-13-6].
Aluminum Chloride contains not less than 95.0 percent and not more than 102.0 percent of AlCl3, calculated on the anhydrous basis.
Identification: A solution (1 in 10) responds to the tests for Aluminum and for Chloride.
Water: Between 42.0% and 48.0%.
Sulfate: The addition of 0.2 mL of barium chloride to 10 mL of a solution (1 in 100) produces no turbidity within 1 minute.
Limit of alkalies and alkaline earths: the limit is 0.5%.
Heavy metals: the limit is 0.002%.
Iron: the limit is 0.001%.
Physical Properties
White or yellowish deliquescent powder; faint odor of HCl; density 2.40 g/cm3; soluble in water and polar organic solvents such as alcohol; aqueous solution acidic.
Uses
The Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is used in the preparation of deodorant and antiperspirant. Also, it is applied in textile finishing to improve the antistatic characteristics and flammability ratings of various textile materials. Commercially, it is sold as crystalline powder or as a 28% solution in water.
Preparation
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is prepared by dissolving Al(OH)3 in conc. HCl and passing gaseous HCl through the solution at 0°C. The precipitate is washed with diethyl ether and dried. Alternatively, it is prepared by hydrolyzing anhydrous AlCl3 in cold dilute HCl.
Reactions
Decomposes to alumina when heated at 300°C;
2AlCl3 •6H2O →2Al2O3 + 6HCl + 9H2O
Reacts with caustic soda solution forming gelatinous precipitate of aluminum hydroxide (hydrous aluminum oxide); yields aluminum monobasic stearate, Al(OH)2[OOC(CH2)16CH3] when its solution is mixed with a solution of sodium stearate.
Chemical Properties
White to pale yellow crystalline solid
Uses
The anhydrous form suitable as an acid catalyst, especially in Friedel-Crafts type reactions; in cracking of petroleum; in manufacture of rubbers, lubricants. The hexahydrate form used in preserving wood; disinfecting stables, slaughterhouses, etc.; in deodorants and antiperspirant preparations; refining crude oil; dyeing fabrics; manufacture of parchment paper. In preserving wood, disinfecting stables, etc.; in deodorants and antiperspirant preparations; in refining crude oil, and dyeing fabrics; in dental ceramics; in topical astringents
Indications
Aluminum chloride hexahydrate (6.25% Xerac A-C) is an effective antiperspirant that has also an antibacterial effect. It may be useful in cases of acne in which sweating is prominent or appears to be aggravating the disease, but its effects have not been well studied.
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate reacts with water to produce hydrochloric acid. Therefore the areas to be treated should be completely dry before application to avoid skin burning.
Application should be restricted to the affected area(s) only.
Driclor should not be applied to skin that has been shaved within 12 hours or which is broken or irritated.
Hair removal products should not be used on areas to be treated within 12 hours before or after applying Driclor.
Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, mouth or other mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes or other mucous membranes, rinse well with water.
Avoid direct contact with clothing, jewellery and polished metal surfaces.
Mechanism of Action
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is acidic and is thought to act by diffusing into the sweat ducts where on neutralisation it forms gelatinous hydroxides which obstruct the flow of sweat.
The antiperspirant effect of aluminium chloride hexahydrate is partly explained by production of mechanical blockage in the eccrine sweat duct. Following application, aluminium is found in the stratum corneum and intra-luminally in the terminal duct.
It has been suggested that the metal ions form precipitating complexes with the mucopolysaccharides and carboxyl groups of the stratum corneum. This causes damage to the luminal epithelial cells, generating an obstructive conglomerate which plugs the acrosyringium. Studies of long-term treatment with aluminium chloride have shown that prolonged application leads to functional and structural degeneration of the eccrine acini, accounting for the observed progressive decrease in severity of hyperhidrosis during treatment.