Aluminum Chloride overview
The stored Lewis connectivity is AlCl₃. The monomeric AlCl₃ Lewis model has three Al–Cl bonds and only six electrons around aluminum.
How to draw AlCl₃
- Count 24 valence electrons. Include charge adjustments before drawing.
- Use the reviewed connectivity AlCl₃. Do not infer a different isomer from the formula alone.
- Place the required single, double or multiple bonds. Keep a running electron total.
- Complete terminal valence shells and add lone pairs or formal charges. The monomeric AlCl₃ Lewis model has three Al–Cl bonds and only six electrons around aluminum.
- Verify the total electron count and geometry. The reviewed geometry is Trigonal planar for the isolated monomer.
Why this example matters
The monomeric AlCl₃ Lewis model has three Al–Cl bonds and only six electrons around aluminum.
Scope and model limits
AlCl₃ commonly forms Al₂Cl₆ dimers in the gas phase at lower temperatures and extended ionic/covalent structures in condensed phases. The displayed monomer is a limited classroom model.
Common mistakes
- Treating the monomer as the only form in every phase
- Adding a neutral lone pair to aluminum
- Forcing Al=Cl double bonds
Related reviewed guides
Last reviewed: 2026-07-16. Educational reference only; verify graded work with course materials.