Synthesizing Anhydrous Chloride Salts through Al Foil Reaction

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The proposed method for synthesizing metal halides, specifically aluminum chloride, involves passing dry HCl gas over heated aluminum foil. The process includes generating HCl from concentrated sulfuric acid and using calcium chloride to dry the gas before it enters the reaction flask. The aluminum should be heated sufficiently to react with HCl without causing an explosive reaction. It is suggested that the aluminum will slowly convert to aluminum chloride, and the resulting vapor may need to be condensed in a separate cold flask. Overall, the described approach appears feasible for producing anhydrous aluminum chloride.
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Hi, first post!
OK my question is regarding the synthesis of metal halides, specifically those of Chlorine.
If i pass a dry stream of HCl(g) over a bed of heated Al foil will this be an acceptable route to the anhydrous salt? I am thinking of generating the hydrogen chloride from conc H2SO4 dripped into HCl acid, passing the gas through CaCl2, then into a large erlynmeyer flask (on a hot plate) containing Al foil with a second tube leading the excess gas out under a fume hood. I want the foil to be heated hot enough to react with the HCl gas but not so hot that the whole thing will react in 2 seconds (like the videos on the net)
Would my proposed method work? will the aluminium slowly convert to the salt, or will i need to lead the AlCl3 vapour into another cold flask in order for it to condense?
Any help appreciated :D
 
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Yeah, this sounds more or less like it'll work although I've never tried it. I'd been interesting in hearing how it works if you attempt this experiment.

This might be of use to you. It's out of my library:

Ten grams of Al turnings are used for the retort
or flask which is swept out thoroughly with dry hydrogen
chloride. The receiving flask of the apparatus is fitted with
an outlet tube connected to a calcium chloride drying tube
to permit the escape of excess gas. The inlet tube for the
hydrogen chloride should lead well into the reaction flask,
and terminate about 2-3 inches from the surface of the
metal. The vessel is heated gently in a steady stream of gas
until white vapors start to form. The gas flow is then in-
creased somewhat and the flame raised slightly until all the
metal has reacted. After cooling, the gas inlet tube is quickly
removed and replaced by a waxed stopper; the chloride is
then sublimed into the receiver by means of a small flame,
and it may be further purified by resublimation in dry nitrogen. The product is white and extremely hygroscopic; b.p.
180°C.
 
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