Aluminium Sulphate Hydrous Extra Pure
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Aluminium Sulphate Hydrous Extra Pure is a high-purity, white to slightly off-white crystalline compound containing bound water molecules, commonly used in laboratory settings for analytical, inorganic, and coordination chemistry. It serves as a reliable source of aluminum ions in aqueous solutions and is frequently employed in precipitation reactions, dye fixation studies, and flocculation experiments. The hydrous form offers improved solubility and ease of handling, making it suitable for educational labs and controlled research environments. Its extra pure grade ensures minimal interference from impurities, enabling accurate, reproducible results in sensitive analytical procedures. To maintain its stability and prevent further hydration or contamination, it should be stored in well-sealed containers in a cool, dry place.
USES
Primary Uses
- Reagent in Inorganic Qualitative Analysis
- Supplies Al³⁺ ions for precipitation reactions (e.g., with OH⁻ or CO₃²⁻) in classic group analysis procedures.
- Flocculation and Coagulation Studies
- Used in bench-scale simulations of water and wastewater treatment processes to demonstrate removal of suspended solids.
- Hydrolysis and Acid-Base Chemistry
- Demonstrates acidic behavior of metal salts through hydrolysis in water; used in pH and buffer experiments.
- Educational Use in Salt Chemistry and Solubility
- Suitable for student labs exploring solubility, salt reactions, and ionic interactions.
- Preparation of Alum Compounds and Derivatives
- Acts as a precursor in synthesizing double salts like potassium alum or other hydrated aluminum complexes.
Secondary Uses
- Electrolyte for Conductivity Experiments
- Investigated in studies involving ion mobility and conductivity in aqueous salt solutions.
- Model Compound in Environmental Chemistry
- Used in simulated studies of soil acidity, aluminum leaching, or sulfate contamination in ecosystems.
- Corrosion Testing and Surface Chemistry
- Applied in experiments involving metal corrosion under acidic or sulfate-rich conditions.
- Study of Crystallization and Hydration
- Explored in labs focusing on crystallization behavior, hydration-dehydration cycles, and structure of hydrated salts.
- Catalyst Precursor (Research Use)
- Sometimes used in preparing alumina-based catalysts or supports after controlled calcination.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Aluminium Sulphate (Hydrated)
- CAS Number: 10043-01-3 (same as anhydrous form)
- HS Code: 28332200 (Aluminium sulphate)
- Molecular Formula: Al₂(SO₄)₃·xH₂O (commonly Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O or Al₂(SO₄)₃·16H₂O)
- Synonyms:
- Aluminium sulfate hydrate
- Hydrated alum
- Cake alum (commercial grade)
- Alum (when unspecified)
- Dialuminium trisulfate hydrate
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (crystalline lumps or granules)
- Color & Odor: White to pale grey; odorless
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Melting Point: ~85–90°C (releases water of hydration)
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~1.62–1.7 g/cm³ (hydrated form)
- Solubility:
- Water: Freely soluble (forms acidic solution)
- Alcohol: Insoluble
- pH Level: ~2.0–3.0 (5% aqueous solution)
- Vapor Pressure: Not applicable (non-volatile solid)
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Eye Irritation (Category 2)
- Skin Irritation (Category 2)
- Not acutely toxic, but irritant in large quantities or as dust
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: Not established for hydrated form
- Nuisance dust limits apply: 15 mg/m³ (total), 5 mg/m³ (respirable)
- Reactivity:
- Stable in dry form
- Reacts with bases and carbonates to release gas or precipitate
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Keep in sealed containers in a dry area
- Protect from moisture absorption and temperature fluctuations
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong bases, reactive metals, reducing agents
- Container Type:
- Glass, polyethylene, or fiber drums with liner
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- ~2 years under proper storage
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves, dust mask, and eye protection when handling powder or granules
- Avoid skin and eye contact with solutions
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Listed under TSCA, REACH
- Commonly accepted in water treatment and laboratory research
- Transportation Restrictions:
- Not classified as hazardous for transport
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Neutralize and dilute before disposal
- Dispose of as non-hazardous inorganic waste unless contaminated
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Mildly toxic to aquatic life at high concentrations
- Alters pH and contributes to aluminium load in effluent
- Persistence in Environment:
- Breaks down into aluminium ions and sulfate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Not biodegradable (inorganic), but environmentally manageable
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear a lab coat, safety goggles, and chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile).
- Use a dust mask or respirator when handling powders in open air.
- Handling:
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- Prevent formation of dust and avoid inhalation.
- Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
- Do not mix with strong bases—may release heat and form corrosive substances.
- Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed, labeled container.
- Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Protect from moisture, as the hydrous form can absorb additional water and clump.
- Keep away from incompatible substances such as alkalis and reactive metals.
- Hygiene Measures:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth, or face during use.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the laboratory.
FIRST AID MEASURES
- Inhalation:
- Move the person to fresh air immediately.
- Rinse mouth and nasal passages with water if dust was inhaled.
- Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop (e.g., coughing, irritation).
- Skin Contact:
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Wash affected areas with soap and plenty of water.
- Seek medical attention if redness, itching, or irritation occurs.
- Eye Contact:
- Rinse eyes thoroughly with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
- Hold eyelids open during rinsing.
- Seek immediate medical attention if irritation or blurred vision continues.
- Ingestion:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Do not induce vomiting.
- If fully conscious, give small sips of water.
- Seek immediate medical help—may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
- Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide (CO₂), depending on the nature of the surrounding fire.
- Specific Hazards:
- Non-flammable and does not support combustion.
- May release irritating sulfur oxides and aluminum oxide upon heating.
- Fire-related runoff may be corrosive or environmentally harmful.
- Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
- Wear full protective clothing and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Firefighting Instructions:
- Avoid breathing dust, fumes, or vapors from decomposition.
- Cool exposed containers with water spray.
- Contain fire runoff to prevent contamination of drains or waterways.
Related products
Aluminium Metal Fine Extra Pure
Aluminium Oxide Active Neutral Extra Pure
Aluminium Potassium Sulphate Hydrated Extra Pure
Ammonium Chloride Extra Pure
- SHORT DESCRIPTION