Aluminum Sulphate

Aluminum sulphate, with an alternate spelling of aluminum sulfate, is the compound derived at when aluminum hydroxide is added to sulfuric acid. The chemistry of it lacks complexity, since the reaction is straightforward. As a compound aluminum sulphate is stable under room temperature, but in heightened temperatures of above 600ºC, it would readily decompose.

Aluminum sulfate is used in different settings today. The most common use of the compound is in drinking water purification where it acts as a flocculating agent. This is the step in water purification where any turbidity is removed together with any color that is dissolved. Aluminum sulfate causes the impurities that cause said turbidity and coloration to coagulate. This helps them get cleared or filtered more easily. The application is the same in water treatment plants. The compound is sometimes used in agricultural farming, where the pH of the soil needs to be lowered for better growth of plants. When added to soil, aluminum sulfate is hydrolyzed. What results is the formation of a salt, aluminum hydroxide, and a weak acid. It is the acid that is responsible for pH reduction. Moderate use is encouraged, as it is possible to raise the pH to slightly above what plants flourish comfortably under.

Aluminum sulfate is sometimes used as a foaming agent in the fire extinguishers that rely on foam to put out fires. As far as use in health products is concerned, a debate still rages on whether there is any importance of doing this. Aluminum is not needed in the body, so having compounds of it added to cooking ingredients raises questions. Aluminum sulfate is a health hazard, as it causes irritation if it is inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin or the eyes. It should be kept away from water, as it will be hydrolyzed to form a weak solution of sulfuric acid. It is very slippery, and might be mildly corrosive when it comes into contact with the skin. Aluminum sulfate is not a fire hazard, as it is does not ignite. It is non-carcinogenic, and inhalation is only associated with irritation and mild discomfort.

Aluminum sulfate can be purchased, but it is mostly retailed for garden use. It is sometimes sold as alum, which although being improper from a scientific point of view, is socially accepted. In this case, being resourceful would be shopping locally, as online stores are few.

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