GRADE & PURITYAnhydrous Grade?Anhydrous grade — water removed and packaged dry for moisture-sensitive chemistry. Use in reactions where even trace water would interfere or quench.PrimorTrace™?PrimorTrace™ — Aladdin's trace-metal-analysis line with ultra-low metal background. Use for ICP/AAS trace-metal work where contamination must be minimal.≥99.999% metals basispowder
This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as post-transition metal bromides. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest halogen atom is Bromine, and the heaviest metal atom a post-transition metal.
External Descriptors
Not available
1. Djoumbou Feunang Y, Eisner R, Knox C, Chepelev L, Hastings J, Owen G, Fahy E, Steinbeck C, Subramanian S, Bolton E, Greiner R, and Wishart DS. ClassyFire: Automated Chemical Classification With A Comprehensive, Computable Taxonomy. Journal of Cheminformatics, 2016, 8:61.
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Application Protocols
Not applicable.
No antibody or assay protocols (WB, IHC, IF, FC) apply. For synthetic use, see the Reaction Conditions and Application notes provided in other sections.
Biological Roles
Not typically applicable.
General context (literature)
Aluminum bromide is an inorganic Lewis acid used as a laboratory/industrial reagent. It does not have a physiological role in biological systems. Upon hydrolysis, it yields aluminum hydroxides/oxides and hydrobromic acid; neither AlBr3 nor its transient complexes are endogenous metabolites.
Aluminum ions can bind strongly to oxygen-donor ligands (e.g., phosphates), but biological interactions of soluble aluminum species are complex and outside the scope of typical laboratory use. Bromide is a ubiquitous halide anion with limited biological function in higher organisms.
Research-use limitation
This product is for research use only and not for use in humans or animals. No clinical or diagnostic claims are made or implied.
Buffer Applications
Not applicable.
Rationale
Aluminum bromide is a highly moisture-sensitive Lewis acid that hydrolyzes in water; it cannot be used to prepare or adjust aqueous buffer systems. For aqueous pH control or electrophoresis, use standard buffering agents (e.g., phosphate, Tris, HEPES) rather than water-reactive halides.
Green Alternatives
Context
Aluminum bromide is an effective but hazardous, moisture-reactive Lewis acid that generates corrosive HBr and relies on halogenated solvents in many protocols. Greener alternatives can reduce hazard, waste, and environmental footprint while sometimes offering recyclable catalysis.
Potential alternatives (literature; selection depends on transformation)
For Friedel–Crafts acylation/alkylation: FeCl3, FeBr3, or Zn(OTf)2 as less corrosive, often catalytic options; solid acids (zeolites, H-BEA, H-Y), Nafion-H, or montmorillonite K-10 can enable solvent minimization and catalyst recovery.
For aromatic bromination: NBS with catalytic acids, or Br2 activated by iron salts; electrophilic bromination with HBr/H2O2 systems under phase-transfer conditions can reduce halogenated solvent use.
For ether/ester cleavage: Solid-supported acids (Amberlyst-15), B(C6F5)3 in non-halogenated solvents, or catalytic HBr generated in situ under flow for better control.
Comparison highlights (general)
Activity: AlBr3 is among the strongest classical Lewis acids; alternatives may require higher temperature or longer time but improve safety and recyclability.
Solvent footprint: Replacing CH2Cl2/CCl4 with toluene, Me-THF, CPME, or solvent-free conditions on solid acids can markedly improve EHS profiles.
Workup/waste: Solid acids and immobilized catalysts simplify separation, reduce neutralization salts, and allow reuse.
Trade-offs
Selectivity may shift with weaker acids; screening is advised. Some alternatives are moisture sensitive (e.g., BCF) or costly; balance with scale and sustainability goals.
Pharmaceutical Uses
Scope
No direct excipient or formulation role. Aluminum bromide is not a pharmacopeial buffer or additive.
Process chemistry context (literature/general)
May be used as a Lewis acid catalyst or promoter in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates (e.g., Friedel–Crafts acylations, controlled brominations). In such cases, attention to extractables/leachables, residual aluminum/bromide, and neutralization byproducts is essential.
Quality/system considerations
For development-scale use, define acceptable residual levels via ICH Q3D (elemental impurities) and halide content; validate quench and wash protocols to remove aluminum salts and HBr.
Replace with greener, catalytic alternatives where feasible (FeCl3, solid acids) to improve EHS and compliance profiles.
Regulatory note
This product is for research use only; no compendial status or therapeutic claims are made.
Physical Properties
Item-specific specifications
Not specified for this item; refer to CoA/Spec Sheet.
Literature/general properties (typical for anhydrous AlBr3; not item specifications)
Appearance: White to pale yellow, hygroscopic solid; fumes in moist air (literature).
Melting point: ~97–99 °C (literature).
Boiling point/sublimation: ~255–265 °C with decomposition; sublimes under reduced pressure (literature).
Density: ~3.2 g/cm³ at 20–25 °C (literature).
Solubility: Reacts exothermically with water; soluble with complexation in polar aprotic donors (ethers, nitriles) forming adducts; miscible/reactive in many halogenated solvents; sparingly soluble in nonpolar hydrocarbons unless complexed (literature).
Vapor pressure: Low at ambient; dimerization reduces volatility vs AlCl3 (literature).
Refractive index/logP/pKa: Not applicable or not commonly reported for this reactive Lewis acid.
Practical notes
Extremely moisture sensitive; any contact with aqueous media generates HBr and aluminum hydroxides/oxobromides.
Forms donor–acceptor complexes that can significantly alter melting/boiling behavior; properties depend on coordinated solvent/base.
Exact assay, moisture, residual metals, acidic impurities, and stabilizers: Not specified for this item; refer to CoA/Spec Sheet.
Interpretation (general guidance; not item-specific specs)
Anhydrous Grade: Indicates material produced and packaged to minimize water content. For a hydrolytically sensitive Lewis acid like AlBr3, even trace moisture compromises performance and generates HBr. Users should confirm water and hydrolyzable halide content on the CoA for critical applications.
PrimorTrace™: Proprietary line designation from Aladdin Scientific. Specific acceptance criteria (e.g., trace-metal profile, particle size, titratable acidity) are not provided here; consult the CoA/Spec Sheet for quantitative limits.
Practical quality considerations
Performance checks: Titrate Lewis acidity (e.g., with standardized donor base) or evaluate in a benchmark Friedel–Crafts reaction to confirm activity if process-critical.
Packaging: Expect moisture-barrier containers (e.g., sealed bottle or ampoule). Open only in a dry atmosphere; promptly reseal.
Chromophoric impurities: For catalytic use in electrophilic aromatic substitution, colored or odorous fumes often indicate hydrolysis—replace material if fuming persists after proper drying of apparatus.
Documentation: For GMP-adjacent research, request batch-specific CoA including moisture (KF), halide content, and insoluble matter.
Reaction & Applications
General applications (literature; expand from common use of AlBr3 as a Lewis acid)
Friedel–Crafts acylation/alkylation: AlBr3 activates acyl halides and alkyl halides to generate acylium/alkyl cations for electrophilic aromatic substitution. Often provides higher activity than AlCl3 with bromide leaving groups and can modulate selectivity on deactivated arenes.
Aromatic bromination: Complexes with Br2 to form a highly electrophilic brominating species; effective for ring bromination under mild conditions with controlled stoichiometry.
Carbonyl activation: Promotes acetalization/deacetalization, Mukaiyama aldol variants (with silyl enol ethers), and oxocarbenium formation. Caution with over-activation and substrate rearrangements.
Ether and tert-ester cleavage: Cleaves aryl/benzyl ethers and tert-alkyl esters via carbocationic mechanisms; solvent choice (e.g., CH2Cl2) and temperature control are critical.
Halide exchange and catalytic halogenation: Facilitates exchange toward bromide in certain substrates and catalyzes addition to alkenes in presence of bromine.
Polymerization/isomerization: Initiates cationic polymerizations of olefins and rearrangements where strong Lewis acidity is required.
Practical tips
Moisture exclusion is paramount; even ppm water quenches activity and generates HBr.
Pre-complexation: For sluggish substrates, pre-mix AlBr3 with the electrophile (e.g., acyl halide) at low temperature, then add the arene.
Stoichiometry: Catalytic (1–10 mol%) possible in some brominations/activations when a co-catalyst or halogen is present; otherwise, stoichiometric to super-stoichiometric for difficult Friedel–Crafts.
Workup: Quench cautiously at 0 °C by slow, portion-wise addition of ice-cold aqueous base buffered with NaOAc/NaHCO3 to neutralize HBr; use phase separation to minimize emulsions.
Materials compatibility: Use glass or PTFE; avoid metals susceptible to HBr corrosion.
Reaction Conditions
General guidance from literature (not item-specific specifications)
Friedel–Crafts acylation
Typical solvents: CH2Cl2, 1,2-DCE, chlorobenzene, or nitrobenzene (for high-boiling needs).
Catalyst/loading: 0.5–1.5 equiv for stoichiometric protocols; 5–20 mol% reported with activating co-reagents.
Temperature/time: 0 to 25 °C for reactive substrates; up to 60–80 °C for deactivated arenes; 0.5–12 h.
Notes: Pre-form acylium by mixing acyl halide with AlBr3 at 0 °C, then add arene slowly. Control moisture rigorously.
Aromatic bromination (Br2/AlBr3)
Solvent: CH2Cl2, chlorobenzene, or CCl4 (legacy).
Stoichiometry: 0.05–0.2 equiv AlBr3 catalytic with Br2 excess, or 0.5–1.0 equiv for challenging substrates.
Temperature: 0 to 25 °C; ice-bath addition to control exotherm.
Notes: Add Br2 last or as a dilute solution; monitor by TLC/GC; suppress polybromination via temperature and stoichiometry.
Ether/ester cleavage
Solvent: CH2Cl2 or neat substrate under inert gas.
Conditions: 0–25 °C for benzyl/tert-alkyl; warmer for robust ethers. Times vary 0.5–6 h.
Workup and isolation
Quench: Very slow addition into ice-cold aqueous bicarbonate or acetate buffer at 0 °C with vigorous stirring; separate organic layer; wash to neutrality; dry and purify.
Byproduct handling: Aluminum salts can form gels; phase-splitting aided by brine or filtration through Celite/basic alumina after cautious neutralization.
Yields
Reaction-dependent; Friedel–Crafts and brominations commonly report 60–90% under optimized conditions (literature range). Always optimize for your substrate.
Safety & Handling
Item-specific hazard classifications
GHS classification, pictograms, signal word, and H-statements: Not specified for this item; refer to the product SDS for authoritative information.
General safety information for aluminum bromide (literature; not a substitute for SDS)
Hazards: Corrosive; reacts violently with water and moist air to release hydrobromic acid (HBr), causing severe burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Strong Lewis acid; may ignite or decompose exothermically upon contact with protic materials.
Incompatibilities: Water, alcohols, amines, strong bases, oxidizers, and many oxygenated organics without rigorous control. Avoid contact with metals that corrode in HBr.
Special risks: Fuming in humid air; container pressurization possible if moisture ingress occurs. Complexation with ethers/nitriles is highly exothermic.
Engineering controls: Handle in an inert-atmosphere glovebox or using Schlenk techniques. Provide local exhaust ventilation. Use air-free transfer tools.
PPE: Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., laminated film or butyl; validate compatibility), lab coat, splash goggles and face shield. Use a full-length acid-resistant apron for bulk handling.
First aid (overview): For skin/eye contact, immediate copious irrigation with water for ≥15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical attention. If inhaled, move to fresh air and obtain medical care. Do not induce vomiting if ingested; rinse mouth and get urgent medical attention.
Fire response: Not flammable by itself, but reacts with water to form corrosive fumes. Use dry powder or CO2; avoid water streams. Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Spill response: Do not add water. Cover small spills with dry, inert absorbent (dry sand) and quench cautiously under inert atmosphere with a suitable non-protic quench protocol; dispose as hazardous waste per regulations.
Always defer to the current SDS for definitive safety, first-aid, and regulatory details.
Solvent Selection
Applicability note: Aluminum bromide is a solid Lewis acid reagent/catalyst rather than a solvent. This section focuses on solvent choices for its use in synthesis.
General solvent compatibility (literature)
Non-coordinating, aprotic: Methylene chloride, dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, chlorobenzene—commonly used to preserve Lewis acidity and solubilize substrates.
Weakly coordinating aromatics: Toluene, benzene—often suitable for Friedel–Crafts; solubility can be modest without substrates present.
Coordinating donors: Ethers (Et2O, THF), nitriles (MeCN), and ketones form strong adducts with AlBr3, altering reactivity. Use deliberately when adduct formation is desired; add slowly due to exotherm.
Protic solvents: Water, alcohols, and carboxylic acids are incompatible (violent hydrolysis to HBr); strictly avoid.
Selection guidance
Electrophilic aromatic substitution: CH2Cl2 or DCE at 0–25 °C balances solubility and control of exotherm.
Bromination with Br2/AlBr3: Chlorinated solvents or CCl4 historically; modern practice favors CH2Cl2 or chlorobenzene to reduce environmental impact.
Ether cleavage/isomerization: Non-protic chlorinated solvents or neat substrates; avoid excess donor solvents unless complexation is part of the mechanism.
Operational tips
Dry solvents thoroughly (molecular sieves or distillation) and degas when moisture-sensitive substrates or conditions are critical.
Add AlBr3 to solvent under inert gas; for adduct-forming solvents, pre-cool and stage additions to manage heat release.
Storage & Reconstitution
Item-specific
Storage conditions: Room temperature (as provided). Keep container tightly closed.
Shipped in: FedEx DG Service (as provided).
General best practices for this reagent class (literature; not item-specific specs)
Atmosphere: Store under dry inert gas (argon or nitrogen) in a moisture-barrier container. Highly hygroscopic and fuming; desiccator or glovebox storage recommended after opening.
Light/heat: Ambient light is acceptable; avoid elevated temperatures that can increase fuming or decomposition.
Handling: Open only in an inert-atmosphere glovebox or with Schlenk techniques. Reseal immediately after dispensing. Use dedicated, dry scoops/spatulas.
Reconstitution: Not applicable—solid reagent used as-is. If complex solutions (e.g., AlBr3·etherate) are desired, prepare freshly by slow addition of dry donor solvent to the solid at low temperature under inert gas, accounting for strong exotherm.
Shelf life: Performance depends on exclusion of moisture; monitor for signs of hydrolysis (fuming, clumping, color change). If compromised, discard appropriately.
Disposal: Neutralize cautiously and dispose of resulting salts as hazardous waste according to institutional and local regulations.
Research use note
For research use only.
Structure & Identity
Item-specific (from Product Data)
SKU: A433865
Product name: Aluminum bromide
CAS: 7727-15-3
CID: 24409
InChIKey: 284397 (as provided)
Grade: Anhydrous Grade, PrimorTrace™
Storage: Room temperature
Shipping: FedEx DG Service
Literature/general identity (for reference; not item-specific specifications)
InChI (key not item-specified): InChI=1S/Al.3BrH/h;3*1H/q+3;;;/p-3 (representing AlBr3 components; literature)
Structural features (general)
Composition: A trihalide of aluminum with three bromide ligands about Al(III).
Geometry: In the gas phase, monomeric AlBr3 is trigonal planar around Al(III); in the solid state it forms dimeric Al2Br6 with two bridging bromides (literature).
Functional class: Strong Lewis acid halide; halophilic and oxophilic.
Coordination behavior: Forms adducts with Lewis bases (ethers, nitriles, amines), and complexes with aromatic rings in Friedel–Crafts chemistry.
2D description in words (general)
A central aluminum atom connected to three bromine atoms; two molecules can pair via two bridging bromides to give a Br–Al–Br–Al–Br motif (Al2Br6), typical of aluminum trihalides.
Synthetic Utility
Functional profile (literature)
Strong oxophilic Lewis acid that forms tight complexes with oxygen and halogen donors, enabling generation of carbocationic electrophiles from acyl/alkyl halides and activation of carbonyl derivatives.
Key transformations
Electrophilic aromatic substitution: Friedel–Crafts acylation and alkylation with improved performance on deactivated rings relative to weaker acids.
Bromination: Activation of Br2 for selective aromatic bromination; can also catalyze addition of bromine to alkenes.
Protecting group chemistry: Cleavage of benzyl and tert-alkyl ethers/esters; facilitation of acetal interconversions.
Cationic rearrangements/polymerizations: Promotes Wagner–Meerwein rearrangements and cationic polymerizations where strong acidity is desired.
Retrosynthetic value
Enables introduction of acyl or bromide functionality under conditions orthogonal to base- or nucleophile-sensitive groups, provided moisture is rigorously excluded.
Selectivity/control
Counterion and solvent effects are pronounced: coordinating solvents temper reactivity via adducts; non-coordinating halogenated solvents maximize Lewis acidity. Substrate-directed complexation can be leveraged to favor para over ortho substitution in some cases.
Practicalities
Use anhydrous conditions, dry apparatus, and graduated addition to manage exotherms. Plan quench and aluminum-salt removal early (chelating washes, filtration through basic alumina after cautious neutralization).
Target Specificity
Not applicable.
This product is a small-molecule inorganic reagent and does not have biological targets, epitopes, or clone/isotype attributes. No antigen specificity information applies.
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