Catalysis aluminium trichloride

In the same way, we performed the synthesis of diacids in three streps first, the telomerization of CTFE with CC14 by redox catalysis [8], followed by quantitative change of the CFC12 end-group into CC13 with aluminium trichloride [9] and finally, the oxidation with oleum [10]. 

In the case of Friedel-Crafts reactions which produce hydrogen chloride as a side product, catalysis is a misnomer. Although on paper the reaction may be written as a catalytic cycle (Figure 16.10), in practice the hydrogen chloride may fail to dissociate from the Lewis acid centre. Consequently stoichiometric quantities of aluminium trichloride may be required. 

In the same way, the detonation of moist trichloroethylene, which had been stored in a metal container, was explained by the hydrogen chloride formed. In this case it is possible to suggest another cause, which would involve iron trichloride forming by the interaction of hydrogen chloride with rust traces, and the catalysis by this salt of a polymerisation or degradation of the chlorinated derivative (see the similar case of aluminium chloride on p.281). 

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