Aluminium Carbonate Formula: Understanding its Chemical Properties and Importance
Aluminium carbonate, also known as aluminum carbonate, is a chemical compound with the formula Al2(CO3)3. This compound is an important inorganic material that is widely used in various industrial applications, such as paper production, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals. In this article, we will discuss the chemical properties and importance of aluminium carbonate, and how it is used in different industries.
Structural Formula
Chemical Formula
The chemical formula of the aluminium carbonate is Al2(CO3)3. The other name is Dialuminium tricarbonate.
Preparations of Aluminium Carbonate
By the displacement reactions the aluminium carbonate has been produced. But there is no evidence to produce that. The carbon dioxide can be produced when the soluble carbonates is precipitated with the aluminium hydroxide. The aluminium oxide is reacted with the carbon dioxide to form the carbonate. The formation of a foam is stabilized through the aluminium hydroxide and aluminium sulfate.
Physical Properties of Aluminium Carbonate
| Melting point | 58C |
| Boiling point | Decomposes |
| Molecular weight | 96.09g/mol |
| Density | 1.5g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| Appearance | White powder |
Chemical Properties of Aluminium Carbonate
Aluminium carbonate is a white, crystalline powder that is insoluble in water. It is a tri-basic salt and is made up of aluminium, carbon, and oxygen ions. The compound has a molecular weight of 234.0 g/mol and has a density of 2.7 g/cm3.
The chemical formula of aluminium carbonate can be represented as Al2(CO3)3, and it is classified as a carbonate salt. It is a weak base that reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas and salt. The reaction between aluminium carbonate and an acid can be represented as:
Al2(CO3)3 + 2HCl -> 2AlCl3 + CO2 + H2O
Uses of Aluminium Carbonate
Aluminium carbonate is an important inorganic material that has numerous industrial applications. Some of the most notable uses of aluminium carbonate are discussed below:
Water Treatment
Aluminium carbonate is commonly used as a flocculant in water treatment processes. The compound is added to water to help remove impurities, such as suspended solids and colloidal particles, that are difficult to remove by conventional methods. The flocculent forms a gel-like substance that traps impurities and makes them easier to remove from the water.
Paper Production
Aluminium carbonate is also used in paper production as a filler material. The compound is added to the paper pulp to improve the mechanical properties of the paper, such as strength, stiffness, and whiteness. Aluminium carbonate also acts as a pH buffer, helping to maintain a neutral pH in the paper pulp.
Pharmaceuticals
Aluminium carbonate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an antacid. The compound neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion. Aluminium carbonate is also used as an excipient in the production of some pharmaceuticals, as it has a low toxicity and is well tolerated by the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aluminium carbonate is a versatile and important inorganic material that is widely used in various industrial applications. Whether it’s being used as a flocculent in water treatment, a filler material in paper production, or an antacid in the pharmaceutical industry, aluminium carbonate plays a vital role in many industries. Its chemical properties and importance make it an essential compound for modern industry and commerce.
