Aluminum Ammonium Sulphate

Aluminum ammonium sulphate, commonly known as ammonium alum or ammonium aluminum sulfate, is a crystalline chemical compound consisting of aluminum, ammonium, and sulfate ions. It typically appears as a colorless or white crystalline solid with astringent properties. It is widely used for its excellent coagulating, clarifying, and antiseptic properties. Aluminum ammonium sulphate finds applications in water purification, cosmetics, food processing, textile dyeing, and pharmaceuticals. Its ability to precipitate impurities and act as a mordant makes it invaluable in industries requiring precise control of chemical reactions, such as in the preparation of baking powder and fireproof textiles.

Description

Aluminum Ammonium Sulphate Uses

Primary Uses 

Water Treatment

  • Used as a coagulating agent in potable water and wastewater treatment plants to remove suspended solids, turbidity, and microorganisms.

  • Facilitates sedimentation and filtration by forming flocs, improving water clarity and safety.

Food & Beverages

  • Acts as a firming agent and stabilizer in pickling and baking (E523 food additive).

  • Used in baking powder formulations to regulate leavening and improve texture in baked goods.

  • Added in processed cheese and some canned vegetables as a preservative and texture enhancer.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

  • Incorporated into deodorants and astringents for its antibacterial and skin-tightening effects.

  • Used in aftershaves and facial toners for soothing and antiseptic properties.

Textile & Dye Industry

  • Functions as a mordant to fix dyes on fabrics, improving colorfastness and intensity.

  • Used in tanning leather and textile finishing to improve durability and resistance.

Pharmaceuticals

  • Utilized as an astringent and antiseptic in topical applications and medical formulations.

  • Employed in hemostatic agents to control minor bleeding.

Secondary Uses 

Paper Industry

  • Used in paper sizing to improve strength, gloss, and ink receptivity.

Fireproofing Agents

  • Component in fire-retardant treatments for textiles and wood products due to its flame-inhibiting properties.

Water Purification Tablets

  • Used in solid tablets for portable water purification systems.

Leather Industry

  • Employed in tanning and conditioning to enhance leather quality.

Animal Feed

  • Occasionally used as a mineral supplement, though less common.
KEY ATTRIBUTES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ammonium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate

  • Common/Trade Names: Ammonium alum, Aluminum ammonium sulfate, Ammonium aluminum sulfate

  • CAS Number: 7784-24-9

  • HS Code: 2833.29.00

  • Molecular Formula: NHâ‚„Al(SOâ‚„)₂·12Hâ‚‚O

  • Synonyms: Ammonium alum, ammonium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate, E523 (food additive)

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Crystalline solid, often in powder or granular form

  • Color & Odor: White, odorless crystals

  • Melting Point: ~92.5°C (decomposes upon heating)

  • Boiling Point: N/A (decomposes)

  • Density: ~1.73 g/cm³

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~70 g/100 mL at 20°C)

  • pH (in solution): Acidic (~3.5 - 4)

  • Vapor Pressure: Negligible

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions, decomposes on heating releasing ammonia and sulfur oxides

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Generally regarded as safe, but may cause eye and skin irritation

  • NFPA Ratings: Health 1 (slight irritation), Flammability 0, Reactivity 0

  • Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA PEL, low toxicity but avoid prolonged inhalation or ingestion

  • Reactivity: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes on heating

  • Incompatibilities: Strong bases, strong reducing agents, and strong oxidizers

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible materials

  • Container Type: Plastic or glass containers with tight sealing to prevent moisture uptake

  • Shelf Life: Typically several years if kept dry and sealed

  • Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use PPE including gloves, goggles, and dust masks when handling powders

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA: Approved as a food additive (E523) for use as a firming agent and acidity regulator

  • EFSA: Approved for use within specified limits in food products

  • Transportation: Not classified as hazardous

  • Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local regulations; not classified as hazardous waste

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms but avoid large releases to water bodies

  • Persistence: Decomposes in the environment; no significant bioaccumulation

  • Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic by IARC or OSHA

  • Biodegradability: Inorganic compound; does not biodegrade but dilutes and decomposes in nature

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Use gloves, safety goggles, and dust masks to prevent skin, eye, and respiratory exposure.

  • Ventilation: Handle in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of dust.

  • Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while handling the chemical.

  • Spill Handling: Sweep up dry spills carefully; avoid creating dust clouds; dispose of according to local regulations.

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air; if breathing difficulty occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

  • Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation persists.

  • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth and drink plenty of water; do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel; seek medical attention if large amounts ingested.

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable; decomposes on heating releasing toxic fumes including ammonia and sulfur oxides.

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide to extinguish fires in surrounding materials.

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) due to hazardous decomposition products.

  • Cooling: Cool containers exposed to heat with water spray to prevent rupture.