What Is Indium Chloride?
Indium chloride refers to chlorides of indium, encompassing indium (I) chloride (InCl) and indium (III) chloride (InCl3). Indium (I) chloride, also known as indium monochloride, has a CAS number of 13465-10-6. Indium (III) chloride, or indium trichloride, is more commonly utilized and sold, and has a CAS number of 10025-82-8.
Uses of Indium Chloride
Indium chloride serves as a Lewis acid in synthetic organic chemistry, a radiopharmaceutical, and a diagnostic agent for hematopoietic bone marrow. It aids in manufacturing photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells and catalyzes Michael addition reactions. The 111InCl3 form, marketed as Indium Chloride 111In Injection, diagnoses hematopoietic function by accumulating in active bone marrow through binding to serum transferrin.
Properties of Indium Chloride
1. Indium (I) Chloride
Indium(I) chloride is a dark yellow powder with a molecular weight of 150.27, melting at 225°C and boiling at 608°C.
2. Indium (III) Chloride
Indium (III) chloride appears as a white powder, with a molecular weight of 221.18, melting at 586°C, boiling at 655°C, and a density of 3.46 g/mL. It is deliquescent and water-soluble.
Types of Indium Chloride
Available mainly for research and as Indium Chloride 111In Injection radiopharmaceutical, indium (III) chloride is the more prevalent form. Indium (III) chloride and its tetrahydrate variant are supplied in various quantities, with the latter requiring refrigeration.
1. Research and Development Reagents
Both indium (I) and indium (III) chloride are marketed for R&D, but indium (III) chloride is more commonly available, including as an anhydrous form and a tetrahydrate requiring refrigerated storage.
2. Radiopharmaceuticals
The 111InCl3 radiopharmaceutical, a radioactive isotope solution, is utilized for bone marrow diagnostics via scintigram.
Other Information on Indium Chloride
1. Synthesis of Indium (III) Chloride
Indium (III) chloride can be synthesized by direct reaction with chlorine or electrochemically in a methanol-benzene mixture.
2. Chemical Reactions Involving Indium (III) Chloride
As a Lewis acid, indium (III) chloride forms complexes with donor ligands, reacts with lithium hydride to produce LiInH4, and facilitates the synthesis of trimethylindium and other complexes. It also acts as a catalyst in Friedel-Crafts and Diels-Alder reactions.