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About the Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminium Hydroxide – Properties: Aluminum hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Al(OH)3. It is a white solid that is insoluble in water. It produced on a large scale as a precursor to other aluminum compounds.
Aluminum hydroxide used in a variety of industries. In the chemical industry, it used as a precursor to other aluminum compounds, such as aluminum chloride and aluminum sulfate. It is also used as a flame retardant in plastics and rubber. In the food industry, it is used as an antacid and as a food additive.
Propefrties of Aluminum hydroxide:
Aluminum hydroxide is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is commonly used in antacids and as a filler in the production of plastics, rubber, and other materials. Here are some of the properties of aluminum hydroxide:
- Insolubility: Aluminum hydroxide is insoluble in water and organic solvents, which makes it useful as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid.
- Amphoteric: Aluminum hydroxide is amphoteric, which means that it can act as both an acid and a base. This property makes it useful as a buffering agent in many industrial processes.
- Flame retardant: Aluminum hydroxide is a flame retardant and is used in the production of fire-resistant materials such as plastics, rubber, and textiles.
- Adsorbent: Aluminum hydroxide has a high surface area and can adsorb small molecules, which makes it useful in water purification and wastewater treatment.
- Stability: Aluminum hydroxide is stable under normal conditions and does not react with most chemicals. This property makes it safe to use in a variety of applications.
Structure of Aluminum Hydroxide:
Aluminum hydroxide is a compound that consists of aluminum, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Its structure is based on the mineral gibbsite, which is a type of aluminum oxide mineral. The structure of aluminum hydroxide consists of layers of aluminum atoms surrounded by hydroxide (OH-) ions.
Each aluminum atom is bonded to six hydroxide ions, forming a hexagonal arrangement. The hydroxide ions bridge between the aluminum atoms, forming a network of aluminum-oxygen-hydrogen bonds. This structure gives aluminum hydroxide its characteristic insolubility in water.
The layers of aluminum atoms and hydroxide ions stack on top of each other, forming a three-dimensional structure. This structure can vary depending on the conditions under which the aluminum hydroxide was formed, such as temperature and pressure.
Preparation of Aluminum Hydroxide:
Aluminum hydroxide is typically prepared through a chemical reaction between aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroxide. The reaction results in the formation of aluminum hydroxide and sodium sulfate, which is a byproduct.
The chemical equation for the reaction is:
Al2(SO4)3 + 6NaOH → 2Al(OH)3 + 3Na2SO4
The aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroxide are mixed together in a solution and stirred to ensure they are well combined. As the reaction proceeds, the aluminum hydroxide precipitates out of the solution as a white solid. The solid is then collected by filtration, washed with water to remove any impurities, and dried.
There are also other methods for preparing aluminum hydroxide, such as the hydrolysis of aluminum alkoxides or the precipitation of aluminum salts with alkaline solutions. However, the reaction between aluminum sulfate and sodium hydroxide is the most commonly used method due to its simplicity and efficiency.
Step by Step Preparation of Aluminum Hydroxide Gel
- Weigh out the aluminum hydroxide powder
- Add the appropriate amount of distilled water to create a gel
- Mix well until all the powder dissolved
- Place in a sealed container and store in the fridge
Aluminium Hydroxide Uses
Aluminium hydroxide widely used in a variety of industries, including:
- papermaking
- water treatment
- food production
- construction
- pharmaceuticals
Aluminum Hydroxide Side Effects
Aluminum hydroxide is a white powder that is insoluble in water. It used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset. It also used as a phosphate binder to treat high blood phosphorus levels in people with kidney disease. Aluminum hydroxide can cause constipation.
