Aluminium Hydroxide formula

Aluminium Hydroxide is a chemical substance having the formula Al(OH)3​. It is a commonly found component with various uses and properties. 

Let’s have a look at its formula and basic characters. 

Al(OH)3​ structure

In the structure of Aluminium Hydroxide, Aluminium (AI) is based in the center while three Hydroxide (OH) particles share bonds with it. Each Hydroxide (OH) group contains one Oxygen (O) and one Hydrogen (H) atom. 

Hydroxide groups here are called Hydroxide ions and bonds shared between Aluminium and Hydroxide ions are called ionic bonds. 

Physical properties of Al(OH)3​

Appearance: It is a white-coloured, powdery, solid substance. 

Solubility: Aluminium Hydroxide is less soluble in water. But it has solubility towards acidic and basic solutions. 

Size: Aluminium Hydroxide particles are nanoparticles and their diameter size may vary between 10 nanometers to over 10 micrometers. Depending on their size, the component shows its exact properties. 

We get Aluminium Hydroxide by extraction of aluminium from natural ores. And then it undergoes a purification process to get the proper size and shape of the particles. 

Chemical properties of  Al(OH)3:

Acid-base reaction: When  Al(OH)3 reacts with acids, it forms aluminium salts along with water; when it reacts with bases it forms aluminate salts with water. But in the acid reactions, Al(OH)3 is a weak base as it can not dissolve completely into its ions.

Example 1:

When Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)3) reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCL)

It gives one compound of aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and three water compounds. 

Reaction- Al(OH)3 + 3 HCl → AlCl3 + 3 H2O

Example 2: 

When Aluminium Hydroxide reacts with base components it always acts as a Lewis acid and it makes bonds between hydroxide ions. 

Al(OH)3 + OH- → [Al(OH)4]

As Aluminium Hydroxide has the chemical property to react with acid and base, it is called amphoteric. 

Application of Al(OH)3

Antacids: Aluminium Hydroxide is used as an important component in antacids. It is a basic component which can react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to treat heartburn, acid reflux or bloating symptoms. 

Water purifying solvent: It has flocculant properties and hence promotes particle clumping in the water purification process, especially in wastewater treatment. 

Pharmaceuticals: To increase body immunity, it is used as an adjuvant in vaccines. 

Flame retardant: It is also used as a flame retardant in fire controlling elements. 

Cast polymer industry: In the cast polymer industry Aluminium Hydroxide is used to get translucency, depth of pattern and soft white color. 

Aluminium Hydroxide can also be used in treating minor wounds, burns or skin irritation symptoms. It is called a flame retardant property. 

Conclusion

In the chemical industry, Aluminium Hydroxide is an essential compound in many areas from health, and safety to environmental management. 

This chemical is safe to use in many ways but it can cause death if prolonged exposure or high doses occur accidently. It should be used with guidelines and precautions to avoid any minor or major side effects. 

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