Gallium(III) chloride

<p>Gallium(III) chloride  is an <a href="/facts/Inorganic_compound/TfFfzxSz">inorganic chemical compound</a> with the formula GaCl3 which forms a monohydrate, GaCl3·H2O. Solid gallium(III) chloride is a <a href="/facts/Deliquescent/1NBGewXv">deliquescent</a> white solid and exists as a <a href="/facts/Dimer_(chemistry)/mU64PnEq">dimer</a> with the formula Ga2Cl6.  It is colourless and soluble in virtually all solvents, even alkanes, which is unusual for a metal halide.  It is the main precursor to most derivatives of <a href="/facts/Gallium/EucevDs9">gallium</a> and a reagent in <a href="/facts/Organic_synthesis/aprl6Iq7">organic synthesis</a>.
</p><p>As a <a href="/facts/Lewis_acid/qlLqRvg2">Lewis acid</a>, GaCl3 is milder than <a href="/facts/Aluminium_chloride/xrhvSxDr">aluminium chloride</a>. It is also easier to reduce than aluminium  chloride. The coordination chemistry of Ga(III) and Fe(III) are similar, so gallium(III) chloride has been used as a diamagnetic analogue of <a href="/facts/Ferric_chloride/a51pulq1">ferric chloride</a>.
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Gallium(III) chloride open-in-new

Gallium(III) chloride