The Importance of Aluminium Hydroxide Formula in Chemistry
Aluminium hydroxide is a chemical compound that is widely used in various industries and applications. The chemical formula of aluminium hydroxide is Al(OH)3 and it is also known as aluminum hydroxide, hydrated aluminum oxide or aluminic hydroxide. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the aluminium hydroxide formula in the field of chemistry.
Structural Formula
This is the structural formula of the aluminium hydroxide:
Chemical Formula
The chemical formula of the aluminium hydroxide is Al(OH)3.
Properties of Aluminium Hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water. It has a molecular weight of 78.00 g/mol and a density of 2.42 g/cm3. Aluminium hydroxide is an amphoteric compound, meaning it can react as both an acid and a base. This property makes it a versatile compound that can be used in various chemical reactions and processes.
Preparation of aluminium hydroxide
By the bayer’s process, it is commercially manufactured in the dissolving bauxite in sodium hydroxide at the temperature 270C. then it is removed by the bauxite tailings the waste solid products and the aluminium hydroxide is precipated from the sodium aluminate. This is known as the calcinations process. It has both acid and base properties. In acidic it act as the bronsted lowry base. In the basic, it act as a lewis acid.
3HCl+Al(OH)3 → AlCl3+3H2O
Al(OH)3+OH– → Al(OH)4–
Physical Properties
| Melting point | 300C |
| Molecular weight | 78.00g/mol |
| Density | 2.42g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | 0.0001g/100mL |
| Solubility product | 3×10-34 |
| Appearance | White amorphous powder |
| Acidity | >7 |
| Isoelectric point | 7.7 |
Chemical Properties
It is used for polymer applications to use as a fire retardant filler. It act as a similar to the good retardant properties. This can be filled throught the smoke suppressant and giving off water vapour. It has been easily structured the range of polymers such as in polysters, ethyl vinyl chloride, epoxies and polyvinyl chloride.
Synthesis of Aluminium Hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide can be synthesized through several methods, including precipitation from solutions of aluminum salts, hydrolysis of aluminum compounds and through the reaction of aluminum oxide with water. The most common method of synthesizing aluminium hydroxide is through the precipitation method, which involves adding a base such as sodium hydroxide to an aluminum salt solution. This reaction forms a precipitate of aluminium hydroxide that can be collected, dried and purified.
Uses of Aluminium Hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide has several applications in various industries, including the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, aluminium hydroxide is used as an antacid to neutralize excess stomach acid. In the cosmetic industry, it is used as a filler in personal care products such as toothpastes and creams. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive to improve the texture and stability of various food products.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aluminium hydroxide formula is of great significance in the field of chemistry. The chemical compound has unique properties and a wide range of applications in various industries. Its synthesis can be achieved through several methods and its versatility makes it a valuable component in many chemical reactions and processes.
