Which of the following is a common use of aluminum sulfate?
Antacid
Water purification
Fertilizer
Antiseptic
Aluminum sulfate, a common inorganic compound in chemistry, plays a crucial role in various everyday applications. Recognized by its chemical formula, Al₂(SO₄)₃, this compound is primarily used in water purification and textile processing. It appears as a white, crystalline solid and is highly soluble in water. Known for its ability to help particles settle out of solutions. Aluminum sulfate is an effective coagulant, making it essential in producing clean drinking water and in treating wastewater. Its use in gardening to adjust soil pH levels further highlights its versatility, underscoring its importance in both industrial and domestic settings.
Property | Value |
---|---|
Formula | Al₂(SO₄)₃ |
Hill Formula | Al₂O₁₂S₃ |
Name | Aluminum sulfate |
IUPAC Name | Dialuminum trisulfate |
Alternate Names | Alum, Aluminium sulfate, Aluminium sulphate, Aluminum sulphate, Dialuminum trisulfate |
Aluminum sulfate, represented by the chemical formula Al₂(SO₄)₃, has a structured composition where two aluminum atoms are bonded with three sulfate groups. Each sulfate group consists of one sulfur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. This arrangement forms a complex ionic structure, where the aluminum atoms are positively charged and the sulfate groups are negatively charged. The structure of aluminum sulfate enables it to easily dissolve in water, which is why it’s so effective in water treatment processes for clumping and removing impurities. This simple ionic makeup plays a crucial role in its various applications, from cleaning water to helping adjust soil acidity.
Aluminum sulfate can be prepared using a simple chemical reaction where aluminum hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
In this equation, aluminum hydroxide (𝐴𝑙(𝑂𝐻)₃) combines with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to form aluminum sulfate (𝐴𝑙₂(𝑆𝑂₄)₃) and water (𝐻₂𝑂). This process typically takes place in a controlled industrial setting. Aluminum hydroxide is mixed with sulfuric acid in a reaction vessel, and heat is often applied to speed up the reaction. The resulting mixture is then cooled, and aluminum sulfate crystallizes out of the solution. The crystals are collected and dried, resulting in the aluminum sulfate used in various applications like water treatment and paper manufacturing. This preparation method is not only efficient but also scales well for large production needs.
Property | Description |
---|---|
Appearance | White crystalline solid or powder |
Odor | Odorless |
Solubility in Water | Highly soluble, meaning it dissolves easily in water |
Melting Point | Approximately 770°F (410°C) |
Density | About 2.71 grams per cubic centimeter |
pH | Acidic (around 3 when in a 1% solution) |
Aluminum sulfate is acidic. When dissolved in water, it breaks down into aluminum ions and sulfate ions, slightly lowering the pH of the solution. This characteristic is crucial for applications like water treatment and paper manufacturing.
Aluminum sulfate is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This property is particularly useful in industries where moisture control is necessary.
When aluminum sulfate is mixed with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), it leads to a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, aluminum hydroxide, and sodium sulfate. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
This reaction is valuable in fire-extinguishing applications because the carbon dioxide helps to smother flames.
In water treatment, aluminum sulfate helps remove impurities by reacting with them to form larger particles. These larger particles are then easier to filter out, a process known as flocculation, which is essential for producing clean drinking water.
Property | Value |
---|---|
CAS Registry Number | 10043-01-3 |
PubChem Compound ID | 24850 |
PubChem Substance ID | 24852105 |
SMILES Identifier | [O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Al+3].[Al+3] |
InChI Identifier | InChI=1/2Al.3H2O4S/c;;31-5(2,3)4/h;;3(H2,1,2,3,4)/q2*+3;;;/p-6/f2Al.3O4S/q2m;3*-2 |
RTECS Number | BD1700000 |
MDL Number | MFCD00003423 |
Property | Value |
---|---|
NFPA Health Rating | 1 |
NFPA Fire Rating | 0 |
NFPA Reactivity Rating | 0 |
Aluminum sulfate plays a critical role in water treatment facilities. It clarifies water by binding to impurities and sediment, causing them to form larger particles that settle to the bottom or are easily filtered out. This process makes the water clear and safe for consumption.
In both industrial applications and gardening, aluminum sulfate is used to adjust pH levels. For paper manufacturing, it stabilizes the pH to ensure quality paper output. In gardening, it acidifies the soil, which is beneficial for acid-loving plants that thrive in lower pH environments.
In the textile industry, aluminum sulfate functions as a mordant. It fixes dyes to fabrics, ensuring that colors are vibrant and long-lasting. This chemical reaction not only improves the color quality but also enhances the durability of the dye on the fabric.
Aluminum sulfate is used in fire extinguisher. It reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, a gas that helps extinguish flames by suffocating them and reducing the oxygen available to fuel the fire. This makes it an effective component in fire safety measures.
Water treatment plants widely use aluminum sulfate to clarify water. It removes microscopic impurities by causing them to clump into larger particles that are easily filtered out. Known as coagulation and flocculation, this process makes water safe for drinking.
In the paper industry, aluminum sulfate is used to control the pH level of pulp during the paper-making process. This helps improve the longevity and quality of the paper. Additionally, it helps the ink adhere better during the printing process.
Gardeners use aluminum sulfate to acidify soil, creating an ideal environment for acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. By lowering the soil’s pH, it helps these plants absorb nutrients more effectively.
Aluminum sulfate is an important mordant in dyeing textiles. It helps fix dyes onto fabrics by ensuring the dye binds chemically to the fabric, resulting in more vibrant and long-lasting colors.
Some fire extinguishing formulas include aluminum sulfate because of its reaction with sodium bicarbonate, which produces carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide helps to smother flames effectively, making it useful in fire extinguishers.
Aluminum sulfate is not highly toxic but can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract if mishandled.
Aluminum sulfate can acidify soil, beneficial for acid-loving plants but potentially harmful to other vegetation.
There is no evidence to suggest that aluminum sulfate is a carcinogen according to major health agencies.
Generally, cooking and baking safely incorporate small amounts of aluminum sulfate in baking powder..
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Which of the following is a common use of aluminum sulfate?
Antacid
Water purification
Fertilizer
Antiseptic
In what state of matter is aluminum sulfate typically found at room temperature?
Solid
Liquid
Gas
Plasma
What is the main use of aluminum sulfate in gardening?
pH adjustment
Pest control
Nutrient supplement
Weed killer
What color does aluminum sulfate turn when dissolved in water?
Red
Blue
White
Colorless
What is the pH of an aqueous solution of aluminum sulfate?
Strongly acidic
Weakly acidic
Neutral
Basic
Which of the following is not a property of aluminum sulfate?
Hygroscopic
Soluble in water
Strong odor
Colorless
What is one of the industrial uses of aluminum sulfate?
Plastic manufacturing
Paper production
Textile dyeing
Glass making
In what form is aluminum sulfate commonly used in water treatment?
Powder
Solution
Granules
Tablets
How does aluminum sulfate help in the purification of water?
Oxidizes contaminants
Precipitates suspended particles
Adds nutrients
Disinfects water
What is the common name for aluminum sulfate?
Alum
Soda ash
Lime
Epsom salt
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