Production Methods

The trichloride salt of trivalent gallium is prepared by the action of either hydrogen chloride or chlorine on the metal.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

GALLIUM(III) CHLORIDE acts as a weak inorganic acid. Materials in this group are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.

Health Hazard

(Non-Specific -- Gallium Compounds) In view of the toxicity of gallium and its compounds, as shown by experiments, all persons involved in work with these substances should undergo periodic medical examinations, during which special attention should be paid to the condition of the liver, respiratory organs, and skin.

Fire Hazard

Emits toxic chloride fumes when heated to decomposition. Decomposes upon sufficient heating.

Potential Exposure

Used as a raw material in the produc tion of metallic gallium; and in the processing of mono crystal, semiconductor compounds.

Shipping

UN3260 Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name Required. UN1759 Corrosive solids, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name required.

Purification Methods

The pure compound can be obtained by redistillation in a stream of Cl2 or Cl2/N2 followed by vacuum sublimation or zone refining. It forms colourless needles which give gallium dichloride [Ga(GaCl4), m 172.4o] on heating. It dissolves in H2O with liberation of heat. It is soluble in Et2O and can be extracted from an HCl solution with Et2O. [Laubengayer & Schirmer J Am Chem Soc 62 1579 1940, D.nges in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 846 1963.]

General Description

Colorless needles. Used as a raw material in the production of metallic gallium and in the processing of mono crystal semiconductor compounds.