Applications
Aluminum chloride 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 for the synthesis of 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.

Solubility
Soluble in water, hydrochloric acid and ethanol. Slightly soluble in benzene.

Notes
Moisture sensitive. Reacts violently with water with liberation of heat.