Product Name
Aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate, 98+% (ACS)
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
IUPAC Name
dialuminum;trisulfate;octadecahydrate
InChI Key
AMVQGJHFDJVOOB-UHFFFAOYSA-H
SMILES
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O-S(=O)(=O)O-.O-S(=O)(=O)O-.O-S(=O)(=O)O-.Al+3.Al+3
Product Introduction
Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate (Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O, CAS No. 7784-31-8) is a hydrated aluminum salt widely used as an inorganic aluminum reagent in water treatment, materials science, chemical synthesis, catalysis, and functional material research.
As a source of Al³⁺ ions and sulfate groups, Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate is commonly used in precipitation reactions, aluminum-containing material preparation, and solution chemistry studies. It provides controlled aluminum ion release and is suitable for research involving aluminum hydroxide, alumina materials, and inorganic functional compounds.
In advanced materials research, aluminum sulfate hydrate can serve as an aluminum precursor for preparing aluminum oxide-based materials, ceramic materials, and porous alumina structures.
Structural Characteristics
Aluminum Ion Source
Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate provides:
- Al³⁺ ions for inorganic synthesis
- Aluminum precursor for oxide materials
- Controlled aluminum incorporation into functional materials
Hydrated Crystal Structure
The 18 water molecules contribute to:
- Stable crystalline form
- Improved handling properties
- Solubility characteristics in aqueous systems
Sulfate Functional Group
The sulfate component provides:
- Anionic counterions
- Participation in precipitation and exchange reactions
- Compatibility with aqueous chemical processes
Key Research Applications
1. Aluminum-Based Material Synthesis
Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate is used as an aluminum precursor for preparing functional materials.
Applications include:
- Aluminum hydroxide synthesis
- Alumina (Al₂O₃) preparation
- Ceramic material development
- Porous aluminum oxide materials
- Inorganic material research
2. Water Treatment and Purification Research
Aluminum sulfate is widely studied as a coagulant material.
Applications include:
- Water purification processes
- Flocculation studies
- Removal of suspended particles
- Wastewater treatment research
Al³⁺ ions generated in aqueous solutions can form aluminum hydroxide flocs that help remove impurities.
3. Catalyst and Catalyst Support Preparation
Aluminum sulfate hydrate can be used in catalyst-related research.
Applications include:
- Aluminum oxide catalyst preparation
- Acidic catalyst development
- Catalyst support materials
- Surface chemistry studies
4. Battery and Energy Material Research
Aluminum-containing compounds are investigated in advanced energy materials.
Applications include:
- Aluminum-based material synthesis
- Electrode additive research
- Solid-state material development
- Inorganic electrolyte studies
5. Chemical Synthesis and Laboratory Research
Aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate is used as an inorganic reagent.
Applications include:
- Precipitation reactions
- Aluminum salt preparation
- pH adjustment studies
- Analytical chemistry research
Advantages
- High-purity aluminum source
- Stable hydrated crystalline form
- Suitable for aqueous synthesis processes
- Useful precursor for aluminum oxide materials
- Broad applications in inorganic chemistry
- Compatible with material preparation methods
Storage & Handling
- Store in a dry, cool place.
- Keep container tightly sealed.
- Protect from excessive moisture.
- Avoid contact with strong alkaline materials.
Research Areas
- Aluminum oxide materials
- Ceramic materials
- Water treatment chemistry
- Catalyst development
- Inorganic synthesis
- Functional materials research
Q1: What is Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate?
A: Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate (Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O, CAS No. 7784-31-8) is a hydrated aluminum salt used as an aluminum source in chemical synthesis, water treatment research, and materials science.
Q2: What is Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate used for?
A: It is mainly used for:
- Aluminum-containing material synthesis
- Water treatment research
- Alumina preparation
- Chemical reagent applications
- Catalyst development
Q3: Is Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate the same as alum?
A: No. Aluminum sulfate and alum are related aluminum salts but have different chemical compositions.
- Aluminum sulfate: Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O
- Potassium alum: KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O
Q4: Can Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate be used to prepare alumina?
A: Yes. It can serve as an aluminum precursor for preparing aluminum hydroxide and aluminum oxide materials through controlled chemical processes.
Q5: What role does aluminum sulfate play in water treatment?
A: Aluminum sulfate releases Al³⁺ ions that form aluminum hydroxide precipitates, which can capture suspended particles and impurities.
Q6: Is Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate used in battery research?
A: Aluminum sulfate hydrate can be used as an aluminum source in research on aluminum-containing functional materials and energy-related materials.
Q7: What is the difference between Aluminum Sulfate Anhydrous and Octadecahydrate?
| Property |
Anhydrous Aluminum Sulfate |
Octadecahydrate |
| Formula |
Al₂(SO₄)₃ |
Al₂(SO₄)₃·18H₂O |
| Water Content |
None |
18 crystal water molecules |
| Form |
Less common |
Common laboratory form |
| Handling |
More moisture-sensitive |
Stable hydrated form |
Q8: How should Aluminum Sulfate Octadecahydrate be stored?
A: It should be stored in a sealed container under dry conditions and protected from excessive humidity.
Merck Index - O'Neil MJ, Heckelman PE, Dobbelaar PH, Roman KJ (eds). The Merck Index, An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 15th Ed. Cambridge, UK: The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013.
Pharmacology and Toxicology, 60(280), 1987 [PMID:3588526]
