The solvent acid‐base properties of
AlCl3‐normalNaCl
melts containing 50–70 mole per cent
AlCl3
at temperatures of 175°–355°C are fully described by the use of three equilibrium constants 2AlCl3)(1=Al2Cl6)(1 Knormalo AlCl4−+AlCl3=Al2Cl7− K2 2AlCl4−=Al2Cl7−+Cl− KM At 175°C the K values on the mole fraction scale are
2.86×107,2.4×104,normaland 1.06×10−7
, respectively. The ΔH and ΔS values for each equilibrium were found to be temperature independent and calculated values for previously unreported formation constants for the liquid
NaAlCl4
,
NaAl2Cl7
, and
Al2Cl6
species are reported. Emf data for the aluminum electrode AlCl4−+3e−=normalAl↓+4Cl− determined as a function of the mole per cent AlCl3, are used to evaluate the equilibrium constants. In the calculations it was necessary to use a variable
AlCl4−
activity coefficient when the mole per cent
AlCl3
exceeded 50%. An experimental nondestructive in situ procedure for the determination of the exact composition and pCl of any melt is described. This procedure is essential when working in volatile melts.