ALB Albemarle Corporation

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2024

Registration No. 333-269815

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT No. 1

to

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

4250 Congress Street, Suite 900

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (980) 299-5700

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

with a copy to:

Joseph D. Zavaglia, Esq.

Michael E. Mariani, Esq.

C. Daniel Haaren, Esq.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP

825 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10019

(212) 474-1000

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐

Explanatory Note

This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 relates to the registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-269815) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 16, 2023 (the “Registration Statement”) by Albemarle Corporation. This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 is being filed for the purpose of, among other things, (i) registering depositary shares as additional securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) making corresponding changes to the base prospectus included in Part I of the Registration Statement, changing the date on the cover page of the prospectus to correspond to the date of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and updating as appropriate the information contained in such base prospectus and (iii) filing or incorporating by reference additional exhibits to the Registration Statement. The existing base prospectus, dated February 15, 2023, is being replaced in its entirety by the base prospectus filed with this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1.

PROSPECTUS

Albemarle Corporation

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

Depositary Shares

We may offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, consisting of notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness, warrants, units or depositary shares from time to time in one or more offerings, in amounts, at prices and on other terms to be determined at the time of offering. We may also offer and sell from time to time, in one or more transactions, such securities as may be issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of preferred stock, warrants or depositary shares.

We will provide you with more specific terms of the securities, and the manner in which they are being offered, in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein, carefully before you invest.

This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

Albemarle Corporation’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ALB”.

Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 1 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is March 4, 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that we prepare or authorize contain and incorporate by reference information that you should consider when making your investment decision. We have not authorized any person to provide any information or represent anything to you other than what is contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We do not take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, information that others may provide you. We are not making an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves certain risks. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific risk factors discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” contained in any applicable prospectus supplement and our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including future filings we make with the SEC that are also incorporated by reference in this prospectus), together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. You should not purchase the securities described in this prospectus unless you understand and know you can bear all of the investment risks involved.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell, in one or more offerings, any combination of the following securities described in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplements:

The terms of the securities will be determined at the time of offering.

We will refer to the common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, units and depositary shares, or any combination of those securities, proposed to be sold under this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet as the “offered securities.” The offered securities, together with any debt securities, common stock and preferred stock issuable upon exercise of warrants, or conversion or exchange of other offered securities, as applicable, will be referred to as the “securities.”

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of the securities being offered. A prospectus supplement may include a discussion of any risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities or to us. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. We filed a registration statement containing this prospectus with the SEC. The registration statement includes exhibits that provide more detail on the matters discussed in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, the related exhibits filed with the SEC and the applicable prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Unless expressly stated or the context otherwise indicates, the terms “Albemarle,” “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company” mean Albemarle Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We are required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information relating to our business, financial and other matters with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Our filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our reports, proxy statements and other information relating to us can also be read and copied at the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, located at 11 Wall St., New York, New York 10005, (212) 656-3000. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ALB.”

We make available, free of charge, on or through our website, copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file them with or furnish them to the SEC. We maintain a website at http://www.albemarle.com. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, part of this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or the registration statement, and our web address is included in this prospectus as an inactive textual reference only.

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents that are considered part of this prospectus. Later information that we file will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than information furnished under Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K) until the offering of the particular securities covered by a prospectus supplement has been completed. This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC.

We will make available copies of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, without charge, upon written or oral request. Such requests should be directed to: Albemarle Corporation, 4250 Congress Street, Suite 900, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209. Our telephone number is (980) 299-5700.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the information presented in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, which are in turn based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations. We have used words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “will” and variations of such words and similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from the results and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the outlook expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, without limitation, information related to:

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These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We assume no obligation to provide any revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

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ALBEMARLE CORPORATION

Albemarle leads the world in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity, and health. Our purpose is to enable a more resilient world. We partner to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect, and protect. The end markets we serve include grid storage, automotive, aerospace, conventional energy, electronics, construction, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. We believe that our world-class resources with reliable and consistent supply, our leading process chemistry, high-impact innovation, customer centricity and focus on people and planet will enable us to maintain a leading position in the industries in which we operate.

We and our joint ventures currently operate more than 25 production and research and development facilities, as well as a number of administrative and sales offices, around the world. As of December 31, 2023, we served approximately 1,900 customers in approximately 70 countries.

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ALB.” Albemarle Corporation was incorporated in Virginia in 1993. Our principal executive offices are located at 4250 Congress Street, Suite 900, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209 and our telephone number is (980) 299-5700. Albemarle’s website is www.albemarle.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website neither constitutes part of this prospectus nor is it incorporated by reference herein.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures, the repurchase of shares of common stock, the repayment or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness and funding pension obligations. Specific information concerning the use of proceeds from the sale of any securities will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

General

The following briefly summarizes the provisions of Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws (which we refer to together in this prospectus as the Albemarle organizational documents) that would be important to holders of Albemarle common stock. The following summary of Albemarle common stock is subject in all respects to applicable Virginia law and the Albemarle organizational documents, which are exhibits to the registration statement that contains this prospectus. In this “Description of Common Stock” section, references to “Albemarle,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” are only to Albemarle Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

Authorized Shares

Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 150,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock. As of February 7, 2024, there were 117,402,949 shares of Albemarle common stock issued and outstanding, which were held by 2,039 shareholders of record, and no shares of Albemarle preferred stock were issued and outstanding.

Voting Rights

Holders of Albemarle common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters voted on generally by shareholders, including the election of directors. Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting for the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Albemarle common stock have the capacity to elect all of the members of the Albemarle board of directors.

Except as otherwise required by law or with respect to any outstanding class or series of Albemarle preferred stock, the holders of Albemarle common stock possess all voting power.

Under Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, shareholder action is generally effective if the votes cast in favor of the action exceed the votes cast against the action. The election of directors requires a plurality of the votes cast by Albemarle shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation require the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Albemarle common stock for the approval of mergers, statutory share exchanges, sales or other dispositions of all or substantially all of Albemarle’s assets outside the usual and regular course of business or dissolution of Albemarle, except that the affirmative vote of 75% of the outstanding shares of Albemarle common stock is required for approval of an affiliated transaction, as defined in Section 13.1-725 the Virginia Stock Corporation Act (the “VSCA”). An affiliated transaction generally is defined by the VSCA as any of the following transactions:

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The supermajority voting requirement does not apply to a transaction with a shareholder who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, has been the beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of Albemarle outstanding voting shares as of the later of (i) the close of business on February 28, 1994, the date of the distribution by Ethyl Corporation to its shareholders of all of the outstanding shares of Albemarle common stock, or (ii) the date such person became an interested shareholder with the prior approval of the disinterested directors of Albemarle.

Further, the affirmative vote of the holders of 75% of the voting power of Albemarle’s outstanding shares must approve an amendment to provisions in Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation relating to the supermajority voting requirement for affiliated transactions.

Notice

Except as otherwise required by the VSCA, written notice stating the date, time and place of every meeting, and the purpose or purposes of any special meeting of Albemarle shareholders, must be sent not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date of the meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting.

Quorum

A majority of the shares entitled to vote, represented in person or by proxy, constitutes a quorum.

Shareholder Proposals

Albemarle’s amended and restated bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders or nominate candidates for election as directors must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the Secretary of Albemarle. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at Albemarle’s principal executive offices not less than 90 nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting. If the annual meeting is scheduled more than 30 days before, or 70 days after the first anniversary of the previous year’s annual meeting, the shareholder must provide notice to the Secretary of Albemarle no earlier than within 90 to 120 days before the meeting or 10 days after the meeting’s public announcement, whichever is later. Albemarle’s amended and restated bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice.

Dividend Rights; Rights Upon Liquidation

Subject to any preferential rights of holders of any shares of Albemarle preferred stock that may be outstanding, holders of shares of Albemarle common stock are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions on their shares of common stock out of assets legally available for distribution when, as and if authorized and declared by the Albemarle board of directors and to share ratably in Albemarle’s assets legally available for distribution to its shareholders in the event of its liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

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Miscellaneous

Holders of Albemarle common stock have no preferences or preemptive, conversion, exchange, redemption or sinking fund rights. Shares of Albemarle common stock will not be liable for further calls or assessments by Albemarle, and the holders of Albemarle common stock will not be liable for any of Albemarle’s liabilities.

Albemarle’s amended and restated bylaws provide that unless Albemarle consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria Division, or in the event that court lacks jurisdiction to hear such action, the Circuit Court of the County of Fairfax, Virginia, will be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action brought on behalf of Albemarle, any action asserting a claim of breach of a legal duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee or agent of Albemarle to Albemarle or Albemarle shareholders, any action arising pursuant to the VSCA or Albemarle’s organizational documents or any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Albemarle common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ALB.”

Anti-Takeover Provisions

The Albemarle organizational documents and Virginia law contain provisions that may have the effect of impeding, delaying or discouraging the acquisition of control of Albemarle by means of a tender or exchange offer, proxy fight, merger or share exchange, open market purchases or otherwise in a transaction not approved by the Albemarle board of directors. These provisions are designed to reduce, or have the effect of reducing, Albemarle’s vulnerability to an unsolicited proposal for the restructuring or sale of all or substantially all of Albemarle’s assets or an unsolicited takeover attempt that the Albemarle board of directors does not believe is in the best interests of its shareholders.

Under Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation, the Albemarle board of directors has the authority, without further shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock in classes or series and to fix the designations, voting power, preferences and rights of the shares of each class or series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions with respect to that class or series. Under this authority, the Albemarle board of directors could create and issue a class or series of preferred stock with rights, preferences or restrictions that have the effect of discriminating against an existing or prospective holder of Albemarle’s capital stock as a result of such holder beneficially owning or commencing a tender offer for a substantial amount of Albemarle common stock. One of the effects of authorized but unissued and unreserved shares of preferred stock may be to render it more difficult for, or discourage an attempt by, a potential acquiror to obtain control of Albemarle by means of a merger, share exchange, tender or exchange offer, proxy contest or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of Albemarle’s management. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of Albemarle without any further action by Albemarle shareholders.

Other provisions of the Albemarle organizational documents that may make replacing the Albemarle board of directors more difficult include:

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Affiliated Transactions Statute

Virginia law contains provisions governing affiliated transactions. In general, these provisions prohibit a Virginia corporation from engaging in affiliated transactions with any holder of more than 10% of any class of its outstanding voting shares, or an interested shareholder, for a period of three years following the date that such person became an interested shareholder unless:

After three years, any such transaction must satisfy certain fair price requirements in the statute or be approved by the holders of two-thirds of the voting shares, other than the shares beneficially owned by the interested shareholder. For a description of the affiliated transactions subject to this approval requirement, see “—Voting Rights.”

Control Share Acquisitions Statute

Virginia law also contains provisions relating to control share acquisitions, which are transactions causing the voting power of any person acquiring beneficial ownership of shares of a Virginia public corporation to meet or exceed certain threshold percentages (20%, 33 1/3% or 50%) of the total votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors. Shares acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights unless:

The acquiring person may require that a special meeting of the shareholders be held to consider the grant of voting rights to the shares acquired in the control share acquisition.

As permitted by Virginia law, the Albemarle board of directors has adopted a bylaw providing that the control share acquisition provisions of Virginia law do not apply to the acquisition of its shares.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

EQ Shareowner Services is the transfer agent and registrar for Albemarle common stock.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters

Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation provide that no director or officer shall be liable to Albemarle or its shareholders for monetary damages except for liability resulting from such person’s willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law or of any federal or state securities law.

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Albemarle’s amended and restated articles of incorporation require Albemarle to indemnify any director or officer who was or is a party to a proceeding (including a proceeding brought by a shareholder in the right of Albemarle or brought by or on behalf of Albemarle shareholders) due to his or her status as a director or officer of Albemarle or who was or is serving at Albemarle’s request as a director, officer, trustee or partner of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise. This indemnification covers the obligation to pay a judgment, settlement, penalty, fine or excise tax assessed with respect to an employee benefit plan and all reasonable expenses incurred by any such director or officer. The board of directors, by a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors or, under certain circumstances, independent legal counsel, or by the shareholders (excluding shares owned by or under the control of directors party to the proceeding), must determine that the conduct of the director or officer seeking indemnification does not constitute willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Albemarle pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, we understand that, in the opinion of the SEC, indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act is against public policy and is unenforceable.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

We may issue preferred stock in one or more classes or series, as described below. The following briefly summarizes the provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation that would be important to holders of our preferred stock. The following description may not be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the terms and provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, which is an exhibit to the registration statement that contains this prospectus. Reference to a class or series of preferred stock means all of the shares of preferred stock issued as part of the same class or series under articles of amendment filed as part of our restated articles of incorporation. In this “Description of Preferred Stock” section, references to “Albemarle,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” are only to Albemarle Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

The description of most of the financial and other specific terms of each class or series of preferred stock issued will be in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. Those terms may vary from the terms described in this prospectus. As you read this section, please remember that the specific terms of each class or series of preferred stock as described in the prospectus supplement applicable to the particular series of preferred stock issued will supplement and may modify or replace the general terms described in this section. If there are differences between the prospectus supplement applicable to the particular class or series of preferred stock and this prospectus, the prospectus supplement will control. Thus, the statements we make in this section may not apply to each series of preferred stock.

Our Authorized Preferred Stock

Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation our board of directors is authorized, without further action by our shareholders, to:

Such rights and preferences may be superior to common stock as to dividends, distributions of assets (upon liquidation or otherwise) and voting rights. Undesignated shares of preferred stock may be convertible into shares of any other series or class of stock, including common stock, if our board of directors so determines. Our board of directors will fix the terms of the class or series of preferred stock it designates by resolution adopted before we issue any shares of the class or series of preferred stock.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the particular class or series of preferred stock will contain a description of the specific terms of that class or series as fixed by our board of directors, including, as applicable:

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When we issue and receive payment for shares of preferred stock, the shares will be fully paid and nonassessable, which means that their holders will have paid at least the par value thereof in full and that we may not ask them to surrender additional funds. Holders of preferred stock will not have any preemptive subscription rights to acquire more of our stock. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock, each class or series of preferred stock will be of equal rank in all respects (1) with each other class or series of preferred stock and (2) prior to our common stock, as to dividends and any distribution of our assets.

The rights of holders of the preferred stock offered may be adversely affected by the rights of holders of any shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Our board of directors may cause shares of preferred stock to be issued in public or private transactions for any proper corporate purpose and may include issuances to obtain additional financing in connection with acquisitions, and issuances to officers, directors and employees pursuant to benefit plans. Our board of directors’ ability to issue shares of preferred stock may discourage attempts by others to acquire control of us without negotiation with our board of directors, as it may make it difficult for a person to acquire us without negotiating with our board of directors.

Redemption

If so specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, a class or series of preferred stock may be redeemable at any time, in whole or in part, at our option or the holder’s, and may be mandatorily redeemed.

Any restriction on the repurchase or redemption by us of our preferred stock while we are in arrears in the payment of dividends will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Any partial redemptions of preferred stock will be made in a way that our board of directors decides is equitable.

Unless we default in the payment of the redemption price, dividends will cease to accrue after the redemption date on shares of preferred stock called for redemption and all rights of holders of these shares will terminate except for the right to receive the redemption price.

Dividends

Holders of each class or series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive dividends, in cash or in kind through the issuance of common stock, or in any combination thereof, when, as and if declared by our board of directors from funds legally available for payment of dividends. The rates and dates of payment of dividends will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to each class or series of preferred stock. Dividends will be payable to holders of record of preferred stock as they appear on our books on the record dates fixed by the board of directors. The Board is authorized to fix, or establish the basis for determining, the annual or other periodic dividend rate for such series, the dividend payment dates, the manner of paying dividends (whether in the form of cash, common stock or both), the date from which dividends on all shares of such series issued shall accrue, and the extent of participation rights, if any.

We may not declare, pay or set apart funds for payment of dividends on a particular class or series of preferred stock unless full dividends on any other class or series of preferred stock have been paid or sufficient funds have been set apart for payment for either of the following:

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Partial dividends declared on shares of any class or series of preferred stock and other class or series of preferred stock ranking on an equal basis as to dividends will be declared pro rata. A pro rata declaration means that the ratio of dividends declared per share to accrued dividends per share will be the same for each class or series of preferred stock.

In case dividends on all shares of preferred stock for any quarterly dividend period are not paid in full, all such shares will participate ratably in any partial payment of dividends for such period in proportion to the full amounts of dividends for such period to which they are respectively entitled.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any class or series of preferred stock that is convertible, exercisable or exchangeable will state the terms on which shares of that class or series are convertible into, exercisable or exchangeable for shares of common stock, another class or series of our preferred stock, our other securities or debt or equity securities of third parties.

Liquidation Preference

In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, holders of each class or series of our preferred stock will have the right to receive distributions upon liquidation in the amount described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to each class or series of preferred stock. These distributions will be made before any distribution is made on the common stock or on any securities ranking junior to the preferred stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up.

If the liquidation amounts payable relating to the preferred stock of any class or series and any other securities of equal rank regarding liquidation rights are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock of that class or series and the other securities will have the right to a ratable portion of our available assets, up to the full liquidation preference of each security. Holders of these series of preferred stock or other securities will not be entitled to any other amounts from us after they have received their full liquidation preference.

Voting Rights

The holders of shares of preferred stock will have no voting rights, except:

Anti-Takeover Provisions

The Albemarle organizational documents and Virginia law contain provisions that may have the effect of impeding, delaying or discouraging the acquisition of control of Albemarle by means of a tender or exchange offer, proxy fight, merger or share exchange, open market purchases or otherwise in a transaction not approved by the Albemarle board of directors. These provisions are designed to reduce, or have the effect of reducing, Albemarle’s vulnerability to an unsolicited proposal for the restructuring or sale of all or substantially all of Albemarle’s assets or an unsolicited takeover attempt that the Albemarle board of directors does not believe is in the best interests of its shareholders. For information related to anti-takeover provisions, see “Description of Common Stock— Anti-Takeover Provisions” above.

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Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the preferred stock will be stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The registrar for shares of preferred stock will send notices to shareholders of any meetings at which holders of the preferred stock have the right to elect directors or to vote on any other matter.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that may be offered by this prospectus. This section does not describe every aspect of the indenture or the debt securities. This summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of the indenture, including definitions of some of the terms used in the indenture. You must look to the indenture for the most complete description of what we describe in summary form in this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. A copy of the indenture and a form of supplemental indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy. You should also refer to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, certain terms of which are made a part of the indenture by reference. In this “Description of Debt Securities” section, references to “Albemarle,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” are only to Albemarle Corporation and not its subsidiaries, and references to “Notes” are to the debt securities.

The terms of the series described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series may vary from the terms described in this prospectus. The prospectus supplement relating to each series of debt securities will be attached to the front of this prospectus. There may also be a further prospectus supplement, known as a pricing supplement, which contains the precise terms of debt securities we are offering.

We may issue as many distinct series of debt securities under the indenture as we wish without limitation as to aggregate principal amount under the terms of the indenture. The indenture does not limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness. This section summarizes the material terms of the debt securities that are common to all series, although the prospectus supplement that describes the terms of each series of debt securities may also describe differences with the material terms summarized in this prospectus.

We may issue senior or subordinated debt securities. Neither the senior debt securities nor the subordinated debt securities will be secured by any of our property or assets. Thus, by owning a debt security, you are one of our unsecured creditors.

The senior debt securities will constitute part of our senior debt and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The senior debt securities will be issued under the indenture. The indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act. The indenture is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

The subordinated debt securities will constitute part of our subordinated debt and will be subordinate in right of payment to all of our “senior indebtedness,” as defined in the indenture. The subordinated debt securities will be issued under the indenture. The prospectus supplement for any series of subordinated debt securities will indicate the approximate amount of senior indebtedness outstanding as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter.

“Debt securities” in this prospectus refers to both the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities.

The trustee has two main roles:

We may issue the debt securities as original issue discount debt securities, which are securities that are offered and sold at a substantial discount to their stated principal amount. The prospectus supplement relating to original

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issue discount debt securities will describe federal income tax consequences and other special considerations applicable to any such debt securities. The debt securities may also be issued as indexed securities or securities denominated in foreign currencies or currency units, as described in more detail below and in the prospectus supplement relating to any such debt securities. The prospectus supplement relating to specific debt securities will also describe any special considerations and any material additional tax considerations applicable to such debt securities.

In addition, the specific financial, legal and other terms relating to a particular series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement and any pricing supplement relating to the series. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of debt securities will describe, to the extent applicable, the following terms of the series:

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Form, Exchange and Transfer

The debt securities will be issued:

A global security will be issued in denominations equal to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities represented by that global security. See “—Legal Ownership” below for additional information regarding global securities and the limitations on your rights as the beneficial owner of an interest in a global security.

You may have your debt securities broken into more debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed. This is called an exchange.

You may exchange or transfer debt securities at the office of the trustee. The trustee acts as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders and transferring debt securities. We may change this appointment to another entity or perform the service ourselves. The entity performing the role of maintaining the list of registered holders is called the security registrar. It will also register transfers of the debt securities.

You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange debt securities, but you may be required to pay for any tax or other governmental charge associated with the exchange or transfer. The transfer or exchange will only be made if the security registrar is satisfied with your proof of ownership.

If we designate additional transfer agents, they will be named in the prospectus supplement. We may cancel the designation of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

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Redemption

Provisions relating to the redemption of debt securities, if any, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may redeem debt securities only upon notice sent at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the date fixed for redemption.

Certain Covenants

General

The indenture contains certain covenants for the benefit of the holders of our debt securities, including, among other things, a covenant to maintain our corporate existence. In addition, the indenture contains the covenants described in the two succeeding subsections, which may not apply to any series of subordinated debt securities issued under the indenture. Capitalized terms used in the following summary have the meanings specified in the indenture, unless otherwise defined below.

Limitation on Liens and Other Encumbrances

We have agreed that neither we nor any Restricted Subsidiary (as defined below) will incur, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by any Lien (as defined below) upon any Principal Property (as defined below) or shares of capital stock or indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary without securing the debt securities equally and ratably with all other Indebtedness secured by the Lien. This covenant has exceptions, which permit:

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and any one or more of our Restricted Subsidiaries may issue, assume or guarantee Indebtedness secured by a Lien that would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions if at the time of incurrence (the “Incurrence Time”), the amount equal to the sum of:

does not exceed 15% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets (as defined below).

“Attributable Debt” means, in respect of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction and as of any particular time, the present value of the obligation of the lessee thereunder for net rental payments during the remaining term of such lease, including any extensions. The present value of the obligation of the lessee is discounted at the rate of interest implicit in the terms of the lease involved in the Sale and Leaseback Transaction, as determined in good faith by us. Net rental payments exclude any amounts required to be paid by the lessee, whether or not designated

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as rent or additional rent, on account of maintenance and repairs, services, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges or any amounts required to be paid by the lessee, subject to monetary inflation or the amount of sales, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, assessments, water rates or similar charges.

“Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means the aggregate amount of assets after deducting the following:

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, without duplication:

provided, however, that Indebtedness shall not include any indebtedness of a subsidiary to the Company or another subsidiary.

“Lien” means any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof), security interest or other encumbrance.

“Principal Property” means all real and tangible personal property owned or leased by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary constituting a part of any manufacturing or processing plant or warehouse located within the United States, exclusive of (1) motor vehicles and other rolling stock, (2) office furnishings and equipment, and information and electronic data processing equipment, (3) any property financed through the issuance of tax-exempt industrial development bonds, (4) any real property held for development or sale, or (5) any property which in the opinion of our board of directors as evidenced by a resolution of the board of directors is not of material importance to the total business conducted by Albemarle and its Restricted Subsidiaries as an entirety.

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“Restricted Subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries (a) substantially all of whose property is located within the United States and (b) which owns a Principal Property or in which our investment exceeds 1% of the aggregate amount of assets included on our consolidated balance sheet as of the end of the last fiscal quarter for which financial information is available.

“Sale and Leaseback Transaction” means any arrangement involving any bank, insurance company, or other lender or investor (in each case that is not the Company or an affiliate of the Company) or to which any such lender or investor is a party that provides for the lease by us or one of our Restricted Subsidiaries for a period, including renewals, in excess of three years of any Principal Property which has been or is to be sold or transferred by us or any Restricted Subsidiary to the lender or investor or to any Person to whom funds have been or are to be advanced by such lender or investor on the security of the Principal Property.

Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions

We have agreed not to, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction, unless:

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we and our Restricted Subsidiaries, or any of us, may enter into a Sale and Leaseback Transaction that would otherwise be prohibited as set forth above, if either:

does not at the time exceed 15% of our Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

“Funded Debt” means: (a) all Indebtedness maturing one year or more from the date of its creation, (b) all Indebtedness directly or indirectly renewable or extendible, at the option of the debtor, by its terms or by the terms of the instrument or agreement relating thereto, to a date one year or more from the date of its creation, and (c) all Indebtedness under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of one year or more.

Except for the limitations on Liens and other encumbrances and Sale and Leaseback Transactions described above, each of which may not apply to subordinated debt securities, and except as otherwise provided in a

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prospectus supplement, the indenture and the debt securities do not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the Company.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another company. We are also permitted to sell or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to another company. However, we may not take any of these actions unless:

For the purposes of this provision, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more subsidiaries of the Company, which properties and assets, if held by the Company instead of such subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

The indenture’s provisions regarding our consolidation, merger and sale or lease of assets, as described above, include a phrase relating to the conveyance, transfer or lease of “all or substantially all” of our properties and assets. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise, established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the applicability of the foregoing provisions in the case of a sale of such assets or properties may be uncertain.

Modification and Waiver

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities issued under the indenture.

Changes Requiring Your Approval

First, there are changes that cannot be made to your debt securities without the approval of each holder affected thereby. Following is a list of those types of changes:

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Changes Requiring a Majority Vote

The second type of change to the indenture or any supplement thereto and the debt securities is the kind that requires a vote in favor by holders of a majority of the outstanding debt securities affected by the change. Most other changes fall into this category, except for changes noted above as requiring the approval of the holders of each security affected thereby, and, as noted below, waivers and changes not requiring any approval.

We would need a vote by holders of senior debt securities owning a majority of the principal amount of all series affected by the waiver, to obtain a waiver of certain of the restrictive covenants, including the covenants described above under “—Certain Covenants—Limitation on Liens and Other Encumbrances” and “—Certain Covenants—Restrictions on Sale and Leaseback Transactions.” We also need holders of senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities owning a majority of the principal amount of the relevant affected series to obtain a waiver of any past default with respect to such series, except a payment default listed in the first or second category described below under “—Default and Related Matters—Events of Default—What Is an Event of Default?”

The indenture provides that a supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the indenture that has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of securities, or that modifies the rights of the holders of securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the indenture of the holders of securities of any other series.

Changes Not Requiring Approval.

The third type of change does not require any vote by holders of debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would benefit or would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

Further Details Concerning Voting.

When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal amount to attribute to a debt security:

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Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore will not be eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust for you money for their payment or redemption or if they have been fully defeased, as described under “Defeasance—Legal Defeasance.” Debt securities owned by us or any of our affiliates will also not be considered outstanding or eligible to vote.

If we determine to set a record date, we will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of outstanding debt securities of any series that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. In some circumstances, the trustee will be entitled to set a record date for action by holders. If the trustee sets a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of a particular series, that vote or action may be taken only by Persons who are holders of outstanding securities of that series on the record date and the action voted upon must be effective within 90 days following the record date.

Indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change an indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.

Satisfaction and Discharge

The following discussion of satisfaction and discharge provisions will be applicable to your series of debt securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement states that they will not apply to that series.

We can satisfy our obligations under our outstanding debt securities of any series and the indenture will cease to be of further effect (with limited exceptions) if we put in place the following arrangements for you to be repaid:

Defeasance

The following discussion of legal defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions will be applicable to your series of debt securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement states that they will not apply to that series.

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Legal Defeasance

If there is a change in federal income tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from any payment or other obligations, with certain limited exceptions, on any series of debt securities, called legal defeasance, if we put in place the following arrangements for you to be repaid:

There must be a change in current federal income tax law or a U.S. Internal Revenue Service ruling that lets us make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities at maturity or redemption.

In the event of legal defeasance, you would have to rely solely on the trust holding the deposited cash and/or U.S. government notes or bonds for repayment of the debt securities. In addition, in the case of subordinated debt securities, the relevant subordination provisions would not apply. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever become bankrupt or insolvent.

Covenant Defeasance

Under current federal income tax law, we can make the same type of deposit described above under “—Defeasance—Legal Defeasance” and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the debt securities.

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This is called covenant defeasance. In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having cash and/or U.S. government notes or bonds set aside in trust to repay the debt securities. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, the following provisions, among others, of the indenture and the debt securities would no longer apply:

In addition, in the case of subordinated debt securities, the relevant subordination provisions would not apply if we accomplish covenant defeasance.

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If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you could still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust. In fact, if one of the remaining events of default occurs, such as our bankruptcy, and the debt securities become immediately due and payable, there may be a shortfall in the trust.

Default and Related Matters

Events of Default

You will have special rights if an event of default occurs and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

What Is an Event of Default? The term “event of default” means, with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:

“Significant Subsidiary” means any of our subsidiaries that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs. If you are the holder of a subordinated debt security, all remedies available upon the occurrence of an event of default under the indenture will be subject to the restrictions on the subordinated debt securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If an event of default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount (or, in the case of original issue discount debt securities, the portion of the principal amount that is specified in the terms of the affected debt security) of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration. If, however, we or any Significant Subsidiary files for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur, all of the debt securities of the affected series shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration of acceleration of maturity or any other action on the part of the trustee or the holders of the debt securities of the affected series. After any such acceleration, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration and its consequences if all events of default in respect of such series, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal (or other specified amount), have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture and certain other conditions are met. See “—Modification and Waiver.”

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Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are original issue discount debt securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of the maturity of a portion of the principal amount of original issue discount debt securities upon the occurrence of an event of default and its continuation.

Except in cases of default, where the trustee has some special duties, the trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee protection satisfactory to the trustee from expenses and liability, called an indemnity. If such indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. These majority holders may also direct the trustee in performing any other action under the indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series. The trustee may withhold notice of any default, except a default in the payment of principal or interest, from the holders of any series of debt securities if the trustee in good faith considers it to be in the interest of holders to do so.

No holder of any debt securities may institute any action under the indenture unless:

However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt security on or after its due date.

Street name and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and to make or cancel a declaration of acceleration.

We will furnish to the trustee every year a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the debt securities issued under it, or else specifying any default or event of default and its status.

Notices

We and the trustee will send notices regarding the debt securities only to holders at their addresses as listed in the records of the security registrar.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Legal Ownership

Global Securities

What Is a Global Security? A global security is a special type of indirectly held security, as described below under “—Indirect Holders.”

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If we choose to issue debt securities in the form of global securities, the ultimate beneficial owners can only be indirect holders. We do this by requiring that the global security be registered in the name of a financial institution we select and by requiring that the debt securities included in the global security not be transferred to the name of any other direct holder unless the special circumstances described below occur. The financial institution that acts as the sole direct holder of the global security is called the depositary. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of a series issued in the form of global securities will be deposited with The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), which will act as depositary for the global securities.

Any Person wishing to own a debt security included in the global security must do so indirectly by virtue of an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that in turn has an account with the depositary. The prospectus supplement will indicate whether your series of debt securities will initially be issued only in the form of global securities.

Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities. As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to securities transfers. We do not recognize this type of investor as a registered holder of debt securities and instead deal only with the depositary that holds the global security.

If you are an investor in debt securities that are issued only in the form of global securities, you should be aware that generally:

Special Situations When a Global Security Will Be Exchanged For Physical Certificates. In a few special situations described below, interests in the global security will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold debt securities directly or indirectly will be up to you. You must consult your own bank or broker to find out how to have your interests in debt securities transferred to your own name, so that you will be a direct holder. The rights of direct and indirect holders in the debt securities are described below under “—Direct Holders” and “—Indirect Holders.”

The special situations when a global security may be exchanged for physical certificates are:

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Defaults are discussed above under “—Default and Related Matters.”

The prospectus supplement may also list additional situations when a global security may be exchanged for physical certificates that would apply only to the particular series of debt securities covered by that prospectus supplement. When physical certificates are to be exchanged for a global security, the depositary (and not we or the trustee) is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders of the physical certificates.

Direct Holders

Our obligations, as well as the obligations of the trustee and those of any third parties employed by us or the trustee, are only to Persons or entities who are the direct holders of debt securities (i.e., those who are registered as holders of debt securities). As noted below, we do not have obligations to you if you hold through indirect means, either because you choose to hold debt securities in that manner or because the debt securities are issued in the form of global securities as described above. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for the payment even if that registered holder is legally required to pass the payment along to you as a street name customer but does not do so.

Indirect Holders

Investors who hold debt securities in accounts at banks or brokers will not be recognized by us as legal holders of debt securities. These intermediary banks, brokers and other financial institutions pass along principal, interest and other payments on the debt securities, either because they agree to do so in their customer agreements or because they are legally required to do so. If you hold debt securities in street name, you should check with your own institution to find out:

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue (either separately or together with other offered securities) warrants to purchase underlying shares of common stock or preferred stock or debt securities issued by us. We will issue the warrants under warrant agreements (each, a “warrant agreement”) to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent (the “warrant agent”), identified in the prospectus supplement or term sheet. In this “Description of Warrants” section, references to “Albemarle,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” are only to Albemarle Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the warrants and warrant agreement. We urge you to read the warrant agreement because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of warrants. We will file the form of warrant agreement with the SEC at or before the time we issue any warrants. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the warrant agreement.

General

You should read the prospectus supplement or term sheet for the material terms of the offered warrants, including the following, as applicable:

The prospectus supplement or term sheet will also contain a discussion of the United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the offering.

Certificates representing warrants will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations. We will not impose a service charge for any permitted transfer or exchange of warrant certificates, but we may

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require payment of any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith. Warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet.

Exercise of Warrants

Each offered warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase the amount or number of underlying securities at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement or term sheet relating to the warrants. After the close of business on the applicable expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void.

Warrants may be exercised by payment to the warrant agent of the exercise price and by delivery to the warrant agent of the related warrant certificate, with the reverse side thereof properly completed. Warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of the exercise price and the warrant certificate or certificates. Upon receipt of the payment and the properly completed warrant certificates, we will, as soon as practicable, deliver the underlying securities purchased upon the exercise.

If fewer than all of the warrants represented by any warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the unexercised offered warrants. The holder of an offered warrant will be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any transfer involved in the issuance of underlying securities purchased upon exercise.

Modifications

There are three types of changes we can make to a warrant agreement and the warrants issued thereunder.

Changes Requiring Your Approval. First, there are changes that cannot be made to your warrants without your specific approval. Those types of changes include modifications and amendments that:

Changes Not Requiring Approval. The second type of change does not require any vote by holders of the warrants. This type of change is limited to clarifications and other changes that would not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

Changes Requiring a Majority Vote. Any other change to the warrant agreement requires a vote in favor by holders of not fewer than a majority in number of the then outstanding unexercised warrants affected thereby. Most changes fall into this category.

Warrant Adjustments

The terms and conditions on which the exercise price of and/or the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock covered by a warrant are subject to adjustment will be set forth in the warrant agreement and the prospectus supplement or term sheet. The terms will include provisions for adjusting the exercise price and/or the number of shares covered by the warrant; the events requiring the adjustment; the events upon which we may, in lieu of making the adjustment, make proper provisions so that the holder of a warrant, upon exercise thereof, would be treated as if the holder had exercised the warrant prior to the occurrence of the events; and provisions affecting exercise in the event of certain events affecting the common stock or preferred stock.

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No Rights as Holders of Underlying Securities

Holders of warrants are not entitled, by virtue of being holders, to receive dividends or to vote, consent or receive notice as our shareholders in respect of any meeting of shareholders for the election of our directors or for any other matter, as applicable, or exercise any other rights whatsoever as our shareholders or holders of underlying debt securities. Before warrants exercisable for debt securities are exercised, holders are not entitled to payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on the related underlying debt securities or to exercise any rights whatsoever as holders of the underlying debt securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

Albemarle Corporation may issue units that will represent an interest in one or more debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or warrants, in any combination, which may or may not be separable from one another. Each unit will be issued under a unit agreement. Albemarle Corporation will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of any units issued by it that may be offered pursuant to this prospectus.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

The following description of depositary shares is only a summary and is qualified by any prospectus supplement, deposit agreement and depositary receipt used in connection with the issuance of each series of preferred stock issued through the use of depositary shares. Therefore, you should read carefully the more detailed description that would be contained in any prospectus supplement and form of deposit agreement and depositary receipt, copies of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. In this “Description of Depositary Shares” section, references to “Albemarle,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” are only to Albemarle Corporation and not its subsidiaries.

We may offer fractional shares of preferred stock by issuing receipts for depositary shares. The shares of any class or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited with a bank or trust company and the holders will be issued a depositary receipt entitling them, in proportion to the fraction of a share the receipt represents, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock, as more fully described above under the heading “Description of Preferred Stock.” In this “Description of Depositary Shares” section, references to the “depositary” are to the bank or trust company where the shares of any class or series of preferred stock represented by depositary shares will be deposited.

The bank or trust company that will be the depositary will function as the intermediary between the Company and the holders of the depositary receipts. Dividends and other distributions will be provided to the depositary for ultimate distribution to the holders. Redemption of the depositary shares and voting the underlying preferred stock will also be coordinated through the depositary. Holders will have the right to surrender their depositary receipts to the depositary and be entitled to receive whole shares of preferred stock that are represented by such receipts. Though the preferred stock will continue to have all of the rights and preferences of such preferred stock before such surrender, there may be no market opportunity to trade such stock and once withdrawn from the depositary, it may not be redeposited.

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges that arise solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the applicable class or series of preferred stock and any exchange or redemption of such class or series of preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will pay all other transfer and other taxes and governmental charges, and, in addition, such other charges as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the offered securities:

Any underwriters or agents will be identified and their discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation and any securities exchanges on which the securities are listed will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement or term sheet.

We (directly or through agents) may sell, and the underwriters may resell, the offered securities in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed, or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

In order to facilitate the offering of the offered securities, the underwriters or agents may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters or agents of a greater number of securities than they are required to purchase in the offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ or agents’ option to purchase additional securities from us in the offering. The underwriters or agents may close out any covered short position by either exercising the option to purchase additional securities or purchasing securities in the open market. In determining the source of securities to close out the covered short position, the underwriters or agents will consider, among other things, the price of securities available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase securities through the option. “Naked” short sales are sales in excess of the option. The underwriters or agents must close out any naked short position by purchasing securities in open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters or agents are concerned that there may be a downward pressure on the price of the securities in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids for or purchases of the securities made by the underwriters or agents in the open market prior to the completion of the offering. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. The underwriters or agents are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.

In connection with the sale of offered securities, the underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the offered securities for whom they may act as agents. The underwriters may sell offered securities to or through dealers, who may also receive compensation from purchasers of the offered securities for whom they may act as agents. Compensation may be in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act, and any discounts or commissions received by them from us and any profit on the resale of the offered securities by them may be treated as underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.

We will indemnify the underwriters and agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments they may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our affiliates in the ordinary course of their businesses.

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If so indicated in the prospectus supplement or term sheet relating to a particular series or issue of offered securities, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the offered securities from us under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery at a future date. These contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement or term sheet, and the prospectus supplement or term sheet will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of these contracts.

In connection with the distribution of the offered securities or otherwise, we may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with such transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short sales of our securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume with us. We may also sell offered securities short and deliver the securities offered by this prospectus to close out our short positions. We may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction. We may also from time to time pledge our offered securities pursuant to the margin provisions of our customer agreements with our brokers. Upon our default, the broker may offer and sell such pledged securities from time to time pursuant to this prospectus, as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction.

Unless otherwise indicated in your prospectus supplement or confirmation of sale, the purchase price of the securities will be required to be paid in immediately available funds in New York City.

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered hereby and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, New York, New York and/or Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Richmond, Virginia.

EXPERTS

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

Independent Auditors

The consolidated financial statements of Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd as of December 31, 2022, and for the year then ended, incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, have been audited by KPMG, independent auditors, as stated in their report incorporated herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audit report covering the December 31, 2022 consolidated financial statements contains an other matter paragraph that states the comparative consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020 and the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements were not audited, reviewed, or compiled by us and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.

Qualified Persons

Each of the following Qualified Persons, as defined in subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K, has prepared a technical report for us or one of our subsidiaries which has been described or included in documents incorporated by reference herein:

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Such descriptions have been incorporated by reference herein upon the authority of each Qualified Person as experts with respect to the matters covered by such report summary and in giving such report summary.

LIMITATION ON INDEPENDENT AUDITORS LIABILITY

The liability of KPMG, in relation to the performance of their professional services provided to Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd including, without limitation, KPMG’s audits of Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd’s consolidated financial statements described above, is limited under the Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand (NSW) Scheme approved by the New South Wales Professional Standards Council or such other applicable scheme approved pursuant to the Professional Standards Act 1994 (NSW) (the “Professional Standards Act”), including the Treasury Legislation Amendment (Professional Standards) Act (the “Accountants Scheme”). Specifically, the Accountants Scheme limits the liability of KPMG to a maximum amount of A$75 million. The Accountants Scheme does not limit liability for breach of trust, fraud or dishonesty. The Professional Standards Act and the Accountants Scheme have not been subject to relevant judicial consideration and, therefore, how the limitations will be applied by courts and the effect of the limitations on the enforcement of foreign judgments is untested.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

The following table sets forth the expenses to be incurred in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered hereunder, other than fees, discounts, commissions and expenses to be paid or allowed to dealers, brokers or agents. All amounts set forth are estimated and subject to change.

The VSCA permits, and the amended and restated articles of incorporation of the Company require, the Company to indemnify its directors and officers in a variety of circumstances, which may include indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act. Under the VSCA, a Virginia corporation generally is authorized to indemnify its directors and officers in civil and criminal actions if they acted in good faith and believed their conduct to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, in the case of criminal actions, had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful. Unless limited by a corporation’s articles of incorporation, the VSCA requires such indemnification when a director or officer entirely prevails in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a director or officer of the corporation, and further provides that a corporation may make any other or further indemnity (including indemnity with respect to a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation), and may make additional provision for advances and reimbursement of expenses, if authorized by its articles of incorporation or a shareholder-adopted bylaw or resolution, except an indemnity against willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law. The VSCA establishes a statutory limit on liability of officers and directors of a corporation for damages assessed against them in a suit brought by or in the right of the corporation or brought by or on behalf of shareholders of the corporation and authorizes a corporation to specify a lower monetary limit on liability (including the elimination of liability for monetary damages) in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws; however, the liability of an officer or director shall not be limited if such officer or director engaged in willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law or of any federal or state securities law.

The Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation require indemnification of directors and officers with respect to certain liabilities and expenses imposed upon them by reason of having been a director or officer, except in the case of willful misconduct or a knowing violation of the criminal law. In addition, as permitted by the VSCA, the Company’s amended and restated articles of incorporation eliminate the liability for monetary damages of a director or officer in a proceeding brought by or in the right of the corporation or its shareholders. This elimination of liability will not apply if the director or officer engaged in willful misconduct or a knowing violation of criminal law or any federal or state securities law. Article 10 of the VSCA is incorporated herein by reference.

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Any underwriting agreement for the securities may contain provisions entitling the Company’s directors, its officers who signed the registration statement and persons controlling the Company to indemnification against certain liabilities that might arise under the Securities Act from certain information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of any such indemnifying party.

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The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

provided, however, that clauses (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those clauses is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act that is part of the registration statement;

Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will,

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as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this post-effective amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Charlotte, State of North Carolina, on the 4^th day of March, 2024.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this post-effective amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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Exhibit 5.1

March 4, 2024

Albemarle Corporation

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Albemarle Corporation, a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) of post-effective amendment No. 1 to the registration statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), relating to the registration under the Securities Act and the proposed issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of: (i) shares of common stock of the Company, $0.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”); (ii) shares of preferred stock of the Company (the “Preferred Stock” and, together with the Common Stock, the “Stock”); (iii) debt securities of the Company, which may be senior or subordinated (the “Debt Securities”); (iv) warrants to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Debt Securities (the “Warrants”); (v) depositary shares (the “Depositary Shares”); and (vi) units of a combination of one or more of the Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock or Warrants (the “Units” and, together with the Debt Securities, the Stock and the Depositary Shares, the “Securities”).

Unless otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement forming a part of the Registration Statement relating to a particular series of Debt Securities, the Debt Securities will be issued under the Indenture, dated as of January 20, 2005 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, which is

incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. In connection with this opinion, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, certificates of corporate officers and government officials and such other documents as we have deemed necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion. As to various questions of fact material to this opinion, we have relied upon representations of officers or directors of the Company and documents furnished to us by the Company without independent verification of their accuracy. We have also assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the legal capacity and competency of all natural persons, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us as copies.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and assuming that: (i) the Registration Statement and any supplements and amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will have become effective and will comply with all applicable laws; (ii) the Registration Statement and any supplements and amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) will be effective and will comply with all applicable laws at the time the Securities are offered or issued as contemplated by the Registration Statement; (iii) a prospectus supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby and will comply with all applicable laws; (iv) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the appropriate prospectus supplement; (v) none of the terms of any Security to be established subsequent to the date hereof, nor the issuance and delivery of such Security, nor the compliance by the Company with the terms of such Security will violate any applicable law or will result in a violation of any provision of any instrument or agreement then binding upon the Company or any restriction imposed by any court or governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company; (vi) a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement and any other necessary agreement with respect to any Securities offered or issued will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (vii) any deposit agreement, warrant agreement, Warrant or Unit will be governed by the laws of the State of New York; and (viii) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Security being offered or issued will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange or exercise, we are of opinion that:

1. With respect to the Debt Securities to be issued by the Company under the Indenture, assuming the Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the trustee under the Indenture (the “Trustee”), when (a) the Trustee is qualified to act in such capacity under the Indenture, (b) the Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee, (c) the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (d) the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly constituted and acting committee thereof (such Board of Directors or committee being hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of such Debt Securities, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters and (e) such Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, including any supplemental indenture related thereto, and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the applicable Board, upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Debt Securities will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

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2. With respect to the Warrants, assuming the warrant agreement relating to the Warrants has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, the warrant agent appointed by the Company and each other party thereto, when (a) the applicable Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of such Warrants, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, (b) if such Warrants are exercisable for Common Stock, the actions necessary for the Common Stock to be validly issued have been taken, (c) if such Warrants are exercisable for Preferred Stock, the actions necessary for the Preferred Stock to be validly issued have been taken, (d) if such Warrants are exercisable for Debt Securities, the actions necessary for the Debt Securities to constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms have been taken and (e) such Warrants or the certificates representing such Warrants have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the appropriate warrant agreement and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the applicable Board, upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Warrants will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law);

3. With respect to the Depositary Shares, assuming a deposit agreement relating to the Depositary Shares has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, the depositary agent appointed by the Company and each other party thereto, when (a) the applicable Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation of and the issuance and terms of the Depositary Shares and the related series of Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, (b) the actions necessary for related series of Preferred Stock to be validly issued have been taken, (c) Depositary Shares or receipts representing the Depositary Shares have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered in accordance with the appropriate deposit agreement and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement approved by the applicable Board upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, the Depositary Shares will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and

4. With respect to the Units, assuming the unit agreement relating to the Units has have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the parties thereto, when (a) the applicable Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the creation of and the issuance and terms of such Units, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, (b) if such Units relate to the issuance and sale of Debt Securities, the actions described in paragraph 1 above have been taken, (c) if such Units relate to the issuance and sale of Preferred Stock, the actions necessary for related series of Preferred Stock to be validly issued have been taken, (d) if

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such Units relate to the issuance and sale of Common Stock, the actions necessary for related series of Preferred Stock to be validly issued have been taken and (e) if such Units relate to the issuance and sale of Warrants, the actions described in paragraph 2 above have been taken, then such Units will be legally issued and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally from time to time in effect and subject to general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

We express no opinion herein as to any provision of the Indenture, any warrant agreement relating to the Warrants, the Debt Securities, the Warrants or the Units that (a) relates to the subject matter jurisdiction of any Federal court of the United States of America, or any Federal appellate court, to adjudicate any controversy related thereto, (b) contains a waiver of an inconvenient forum, (c) relates to the waiver of rights to jury trial or (d) provides for indemnification, contribution or limitations on liability. We also express no opinion as to (i) the enforceability of the provisions of the Indenture, any warrant agreement relating to the Warrants, the Debt Securities, the Warrants or the Units to the extent that such provisions constitute a waiver of illegality as a defense to performance of contract obligations or any other defense to performance that cannot, as a matter of law, be effectively waived or (ii) whether a state court outside the State of New York or a Federal court of the United States would give effect to the choice of New York law provided for therein.

We are admitted to practice only in the State of New York and express no opinion as to matters governed by any laws other than the laws of the State of New York and the Federal laws of the United States of America. In particular, we do not purport to pass on any matter governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Insofar as the opinions expressed herein relate to or depend upon matters governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia as they relate to the Company, we have relied upon and assumed the correctness of, without independent investigation, the opinion of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, which is being delivered to you and filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

We understand that we may be referred to under the heading “Legal Matters” in the prospectus and in a supplement to the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement, and we hereby consent to such use of our name in said Registration Statement and to the use of this opinion for filing with said Registration Statement as Exhibit 5.1 thereto. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

[Signature Page Follows]

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Albemarle Corporation

4250 Congress Street, Suite 900

 Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

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Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP Troutman Pepper Building, 1001 Haxall Point Richmond, VA 23219   troutman.com

Exhibit 5.2

March 4, 2024

Albemarle Corporation

4250 Congress Street, Suite 900

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as Virginia counsel to Albemarle Corporation, a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the preparation of Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (No. 333-269815) (the “Registration Statement”) to be filed on the date hereof with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”).

The Registration Statement relates to the issuance and sale from time to time by the Company, pursuant to Rule 415 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Act, of the following securities of the Company: (i) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”); (ii) shares of preferred stock (“Preferred Stock”), in one or more classes or series; (iii) depositary shares representing fractional interests in shares of the Preferred Stock evidenced by depositary receipts (“Depositary Shares”) issued pursuant to one or more deposit agreements between the Company and a bank or trust company, as depositary (each a “Depositary Agreement”); (iv) debt securities (“Debt Securities”); (v) warrants to purchase Debt Securities, Common Stock or Preferred Stock (the “Warrants”), pursuant to one or more warrant agreements (each, a “Warrant Agreement”) proposed to be entered into between the Company and warrant agents to be named therein; (vi) units of the Company (“Units”), each representing an interest in one or more Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock, Warrants, as well as debt or equity securities of third parties, pursuant to one or more unit agreements (each, a “Unit Agreement”) proposed to be entered into between the Company and unit agents named therein or pursuant to one or more Indentures proposed to be entered into between the Company and the Trustee; and (vii) such indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares and amount of Debt Securities, Warrants, and Units, as may be issued upon conversion, exchange or exercise of any Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Warrants, or the settlement of any Units, including such shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock as may be issued pursuant to anti-dilution adjustments, in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of offering (collectively, “Indeterminate Securities”). The Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Debt Securities, Warrants, Units and Indeterminate Securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Offered Securities”.

This opinion is being furnished to you at your request in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K.

We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, agreements, and other instruments, certificates, orders, opinions,

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correspondence with public officials, certificates provided by the Company’s officers and representatives, and other documents as we have deemed necessary or advisable for the purposes of rendering the opinion set forth herein, including (i) the corporate and organizational documents of the Company, including the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended to date (the “Articles”), and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended to date (the “Bylaws”), (ii) the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) with respect to the Registration Statement, the registration of the Offered Securities and related matters, (iii) a specimen certificate representing the Common Stock, (iv) the Registration Statement and exhibits thereto, including the Prospectus comprising a part thereof (the “Prospectus”), and (v) a certificate issued by the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia (the “SCC”) to the effect that the Company is existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and in good standing (the “Good Standing Certificate”).

For purposes of the opinions expressed below, we have assumed (i) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, (ii) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted as certified, photostatic or electronic copies and the authenticity of the originals thereof, (iii) the legal capacity of natural persons, (iv) the genuineness of signatures not witnessed by us, (v) the due authorization, execution and delivery of all documents by all parties, other than the Company, and the validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof and (vi) the truth, accuracy and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have reviewed.

As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein which were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company and others and of public officials. In making our examination of documents executed or to be executed, we have assumed that the parties thereto, other than the Company, had or will have the power, corporate or other, to enter into and perform all obligations thereunder and have also assumed the due authorization by all requisite action, corporate or other, and the execution and delivery by such parties of such documents, and the validity and binding effect thereof on such parties.

We have further assumed that (i) the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto will have become effective under the Act (and will remain effective under the Act at the time of issuance of the Offered Securities thereunder), (ii) any prospectus supplement or term sheet describing the Offered Securities will be filed with the Commission to the extent required by applicable law and relevant rules and regulations of the Commission, (iii) that a definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement with respect to any Offered Securities offered thereby will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto and (iv) the Board, an authorized committee thereof or appropriate officers of the Company will have taken all necessary corporate action with respect to the issuance of the Offered Securities, the instruments pursuant to which they are duly authorized and established and related matters.

In addition, we have assumed that the terms of the Offered Securities will have been established so as not to, and that the execution and delivery by the Company of, and the performance of its obligations under the Depositary Agreements, the Offered Securities of the Company, the Warrants, the Warrant Agreements, the Units and the Unit Agreements, will not violate, conflict with or constitute a default under (i) any agreement or instrument to which the Company or its properties are subject, (ii) any law, rule or regulation to which the Company or its properties is subject, (iii) any judicial or regulatory order or decree of any governmental authority or (iv) any consent, approval, license, authorization or validation of, or filing, recording or registration with, any governmental authority.

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We are members of the bar of the Commonwealth of Virginia and are not purporting to be experts on, or generally familiar with, or qualified to express legal conclusions based upon, laws of any state or jurisdiction other than the federal laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia and we express no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction or as to the securities or blue sky laws of any state (including, without limitation, Virginia), municipal law or the laws of any local agencies within any state (including, without limitation, Virginia). This opinion is limited to the matters stated herein, and no opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein. The Offered Securities may be issued from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis, and this opinion is limited to the laws, including the rules and regulations under the Act, as in effect on the date hereof, which laws are subject to change with possible retroactive effect.

Based on the foregoing and in reliance thereon, and subject to the limitations, qualifications, assumptions, exceptions and other matters set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

The opinion set forth in paragraph 1 above as to the valid existence of the Company is based solely upon our review of the Good Standing Certificate.

In connection with our opinions set forth above, we have assumed that, at or prior to the time of the delivery of any Offered Security, the Company is, and shall remain, validly existing and in good standing as a corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of authorization and issuance of any such Offered Security.

March 4, 2024 Page 4

Our opinion is as of the date hereof and we have no responsibility to update this opinion for events and circumstances occurring after the date hereof or as to facts relating to prior events that are subsequently brought to our attention and we disavow any undertaking to advise you of any changes in law.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus and Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not hereby admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act, or the rules or regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder. We further consent to the reliance on this opinion, subject to the limitations and assumptions set forth in this opinion, by Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in rendering its opinion to the Company in connection with the filing of the Registration Statement, dated the date hereof, which opinion is to be filed as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 14, 2024 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in Albemarle Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina

March 4, 2024

1

Exhibit 23.4

Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the use of our report dated April 19, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Windfield Holdings Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries, incorporated herein by reference and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.

/s/ KPMG

KPMG

Perth, Australia

March 4, 2024

Exhibit 23.5

March 4, 2024

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. (“SRK”), in connection with Albemarle Corporation’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed March 4, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”), consents to:

that were prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and filed as an exhibit to Albemarle Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 15, 2024, into the Registration Statement;

SRK is responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the Technical Report Summaries. SRK certifies that it has read the Registration Statement and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Technical Report Summaries for which it is responsible.

/s/ SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.

SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc.

Exhibit 23.6

March 4, 2024

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

Fastmarkets Global Limited (“Fastmarkets”), in connection with Albemarle Corporation’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed March 4, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”), consents to:

that were prepared in accordance with Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed as an exhibit to Albemarle Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 15, 2024, into the Registration Statement;

Fastmarkets is responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the Market Studies Reports. Fastmarkets certifies that it has read the Registration Statement and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Market Studies Reports for which it is responsible.

Exhibit 23.7

March 4, 2024

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

RPS Energy Canada Ltd. (“RPS”), in connection with Albemarle Corporation’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed March 4, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”), consents to:

RPS is responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the Technical Report Summaries. RPS certifies that it has read the Registration Statement and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Technical Report Summaries for which it is responsible.

RPS Energy Canada Ltd.

By: /s/ Michael Gallup

Name: Michael Gallup

Title: Technical Director—Engineering

Exhibit 23.8

March 4, 2024

CONSENT OF QUALIFIED PERSON

RESPEC, in connection with Albemarle Corporation’s Post-Effective No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR filed March 4, 2024 (the “Registration Statement”), consents to:

RESPEC is responsible for authoring, and this consent pertains to, the Technical Report Summaries. RESPEC certifies that it has read the Registration Statement and that it fairly and accurately represents the information in the Technical Report Summaries for which it is responsible.

RESPEC

By: /s/ Peter Christensen, RM-SME

Name: Peter Christensen

Title: Principal Consultant

Exhibit 107

Calculation of Filing Fee Tables

Form S-3ASR

(Form Type)

Albemarle Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities