Table of Contents
An introduction to Aluminum Hydroxide
Aluminum Hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Al(OH)3. It is a white solid that is poorly soluble in water. It is produced on a large scale as a precursor to aluminum metal.
Aluminum hydroxide is amphoteric, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base. It reacts with acids to form aluminate salts, and with bases to form aluminum hydroxide salts.
Aluminium Compounds
Aluminium compounds are chemical compounds containing aluminium. They are widely used in industry, for example in the production of aluminium foil, aluminium cans, and aluminium sulphate. Aluminium compounds can be toxic, for example aluminium chloride is used as a rat poison.
Structure of Aluminium Hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide is a white solid that is insoluble in water. It has a layered structure with each layer consisting of AlO2− ions and OH− ions. The AlO2− ions are arranged in a hexagonal close-packed structure and the OH− ions are randomly distributed between the layers.
Properties of Aluminium Hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide is a white solid that is insoluble in water. It is a basic oxide and reacts with acids to form aluminium salts and water. Aluminium hydroxide is used in antacids, as a flocculant in water treatment, and as a fire retardant.
Aluminium Hydroxide Gel Preparation
Aqueous aluminium hydroxide gel is a suspension of very small, nearly spherical particles of aluminium hydroxide in water. It is used as an antacid and as an adjuvant in some vaccines.
Aluminium hydroxide gel is made by reacting aluminium oxide with water.
Step by Step Aluminium Hydroxide Gel Preparation
1. Weigh out 5 grams of aluminium hydroxide gel.
2. Add the aluminium hydroxide gel to a beaker.
3. Add 100 milliliters of water to the beaker.
4. Stir the contents of the beaker until the aluminium hydroxide gel has dissolved.
5. Pour the solution into a sterile container.
6. Store the aluminium hydroxide gel in the refrigerator.
Uses of Aluminium Hydroxide Gel
Aluminium hydroxide gel is used as a medication to reduce the symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is also used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Side Effects of Aluminium Hydroxide Gel
Some possible side effects of aluminium hydroxide gel include:
constipation
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
headache
dizziness
ringing in the ears
changes in taste
changes in the amount of saliva
changes in the amount of mucus
skin rash
changes in blood pressure
changes in heart rate
Aluminium Hydroxide: How to Use It
There is no set dosage for aluminum hydroxide. It is usually taken as a tablet, but can also be taken in liquid form. The dosage will depend on the condition being treated.
