Rhodium(III) Chloride Hydrate

Basic Information of Rhodium(III) Chloride Hydrate

CAS No.	20765-98-4
EC No.	233-402-1 (anhydrous basis)
Chemical Formula	RhCl₃·xH₂O
Molecular Weight	209.26 g/mol (anhydrous basis)
Appearance	Dark red to black crystalline powder or hydrated solid
Odor	Odorless
Melting point	Decomposes before melting (>200 °C)
Boiling point	Not applicable (decomposes)
Density	approx. 3.0–3.2 g/cm³ (anhydrous basis)
Solubility	Highly soluble in water; soluble in alcohols, acetone, ethyl acetate
Nature (hazards)	Causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergic skin reaction, harmful if swallowed or inhaled, toxic to aquatic life
RIDADR	UN 3260, Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s. (Rhodium(III) chloride hydrate), Class 8, Packing Group III
Chemical Structure

Primary Applications of Rhodium(III) Chloride Hydrate

Rhodium(III) Chloride Hydrate serves as a fundamental Rh precursor for generating highly active rhodium catalysts in selective transformations and advanced synthesis.

1. Wilkinson's Catalyst Preparation
   Acts as the primary rhodium source for synthesizing Wilkinson's catalyst [RhCl(PPh₃)₃], the benchmark for selective homogeneous hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes in pharmaceutical and fine chemical production.

2. Hydrogenation & Isomerization
   Used to prepare Rh catalysts for stereoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated bonds and alkene isomerization, offering excellent functional group compatibility and mild conditions.

3. Hydroformylation & Carbonylation
   Serves as precursor for rhodium-based hydroformylation catalysts, enabling efficient conversion of alkenes to aldehydes in oxo-alcohol production and specialty chemicals.

4. C–H Activation & Functionalization
   Facilitates Rh-catalyzed direct C–H arylation, borylation, and annulation of arenes and heterocycles, providing atom-economical routes to complex molecules.

5. Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical Synthesis
   Employed in key reduction, isomerization, and functionalization steps of active pharmaceutical ingredients, offering scalability and high selectivity in GMP environments.

6. Advanced Materials & Electrocatalysis
   Enables preparation of Rh nanoparticles, thin films, or supported clusters for electrocatalytic applications in fuel cells and energy conversion technologies.

• Consistent Rhodium Content & Purity
  Precise analytical verification ensures uniform Rh content, low residual impurities, and batch reproducibility for reliable catalyst preparation and performance.

• Secure Precious Metal Sourcing
  Transparent, responsible rhodium procurement with inventory buffering to provide supply stability and competitive pricing.

• Technical Catalysis Support
  Experienced specialists offer guidance on complex formation, catalyst activation, reaction optimization, and scale-up for maximum efficiency.

• Full Regulatory Compliance
  Comprehensive COA, REACH, RoHS, and detailed SDS documentation to facilitate seamless integration into global operations and audits.

• Sustainability & Recycling Commitment
  Ethical sourcing practices and rhodium recovery/recycling programs aligned with ESG objectives and circular economy principles.

Hazards Classification

• GHS Classification: Skin Corrosion/Irritation (Category 1B); Serious Eye Damage (Category 1); Skin Sensitization (Category 1); Acute Toxicity, Oral (Category 4); Aquatic Chronic (Category 2)

• Hazard Statements: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction; H302: Harmful if swallowed; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects

• UN Number: UN 3260

• Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive substances)

• Packing Group: III