Aluminium sulfate is a salt with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It is soluble in water and is mainly used as a coagulating agent (promoting particle collision by neutralizing charge) in the purification of drinking waterand wastewater treatment plants, and also in paper manufacturing.
The anhydrous form occurs naturally as a rare mineral millosevichite, found for example in volcanic environments and on burning coal-mining waste dumps. Aluminium sulfate is rarely, if ever, encountered as the anhydrous salt. It forms a number of different hydrates, of which the hexadecahydrate Al2(SO4)3·16H2O and octadecahydrate Al2(SO4)3·18H2O are the most common. The heptadecahydrate, whose formula can be written as [Al(H2O)6]2(SO4)3·5H2O, occurs naturally as the mineral alunogen.
Aluminium Sulphate is extensively used in the treatment of drinking water, wastewater, and industrial effluents.
It serves as a sizing agent in paper manufacturing.
Aluminium Sulphate is employed as a mordant in the dyeing process.
In agriculture, Aluminium Sulphate is used to adjust soil pH.
In the construction industry, Aluminium Sulphate can be used to accelerate the setting of concrete mixtures.
Aluminium Sulphate plays a role in the tanning process for leather manufacturing.
It is a vital ingredient in the production of dyes and pigments.
Aluminium Sulphate is occasionally used in the formulation of antiperspirants and topical treatments.
In some regions, Aluminium Sulphate is used as an additive in food processing, particularly in baking and pickling.
In the oil industry, Aluminium Sulphate is used to purify water in oil refineries.
Appearance | white crystalline solid |
Odor | Heavily vinegar-like |
pH | Acidic |
Molecular Weight | 342.15 g/mol |
Boiling Point | NA |
Melting Point | 770 °C |
Vapor Pressure | Negligible |
Density | 2.672 g/cm3 |
Flash Point | NA |
