Aluminium Acetate is a chemical compound, composed of one aluminum ion (Al³⁺) and three acetate ions (CH₃COO⁻). It has the chemical formula Al(CH₃COO)₃.

Aluminium Acetate Formula Structure

Aluminium acetate Formula Structure

Physical properties

Appearance: Aluminium acetate is a white crystalline solid. It can also be found in hydrated forms, for example, Aluminium acetate tetrahydrate (Al(CH₃COO)₃·4H₂O).

Solubility: Aluminium acetate is fully soluble in water, and forms a clear, colorless solution. But it is less soluble in organic solvents.

Melting point: Aluminium acetate does not have melting points, it starts to decompose on heating, forming Aluminium Hydroxide.

Density: Density is not specified. However, it is typically less dense than metals and denser than many organic compounds.

Hygroscopicity: It can absorb moisture from the air, called hygroscopicity.

Structure: Aluminium Acetate consists of three acetate ions, bonded with central aluminium atoms through oxygen atoms. Each acetate atom is made up of a carbon atom bonded together with two oxygen atoms and one hydrogen atom. However, a carbon atom is also bonded with two acetyl groups, consisting of a carbon atom bonded with two oxygen and two carbon atoms. this structure looks like a chain of acetate ions, bonded together having Aluminium atom at the center.

Chemical properties

pH: The solution of Aluminium Acetate is slightly acidic. Because of the hydrolysis with acetic acid formation.

Reaction with bases: Aluminium acetate reacts with strong bases leading to the formation of aluminium hydroxide and acetate salts.

Example: Aluminium Acetate reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form Aluminium Hydroxide and sodium acetate

[Al(CH3COO)3]+3NaOH→Al(OH)3+3CH3COONa

Complex Formation: Complexes of Aluminium acetate with other ligands are well known. For instance, many organic compounds react with this compound to form chelates, common in several industrial and chemical applications.

Thermal Decomposition: On heating, the aluminum acetate decomposes into aluminum oxide, acetic acid, and other by-products. It is a kind of thermal reaction in which the compound breaks down into simpler substances.

Types of Acetate

Monoacetate: Monoacetate also called dibasic Aluminium Acetate, forms from Al(OH)3 and diluted aqueous acetic acid.

Diacetate: Aluminium diacetate, named as basic Aluminium Acetate, can be prepared from aqueous Aluminium Acetate solution resulting in a white powder.

Triacetate: Formation of triacetate takes place by heating Aluminium Chloride (AlCl3) or Al powder with a mixture of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and acetic anhydride (C4H6O3).

Application of Aluminium Acetate:

Topical astringent: It is used topically for treating minor skin irritations, inflammation, itching, and stinging.

Skin irritation: Skin irritation like an allergic reaction is treated by shrinking the body tissues using aluminum acetate.

Inflammatory conditions: Inflammatory conditions of the skin may be relieved by applying aluminum acetate as a wet dressing.

Acute pain: Aluminum acetate in water compress will address the acute pain from the zoster.

Aluminum acetate is for use on the skin only. Do not ingest. Aluminum acetate side effects may include allergic reaction, dry skin, skin irritation, redness, swelling, blistering, or peeling of the skin, wheezing, also tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking.

These properties make Aluminium Acetate useful in various applications, it is also used as a mordant in dyeing processes and as an astringent in medical and cosmetic preparations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the chemical formula for Aluminum Acetate?

What are the common uses of Aluminum Acetate?