Aluminium Hydroxide: Properties, Structure, Uses, Health Hazards, Precautions

Al(OH)3 is naturally amphoteric and is also known as aluminium hydroxide.

Aluminium hydroxide is also known as aluminium acid, aluminium hydroxide, or aluminium (III) hydroxide. It occurs naturally in the mineral gibbsite and its polymorphs, namely dolerite, nordstrandite, and bayerite.

Aluminium hydroxide is an amorphous white powder. It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in alkaline solutions and acidic solutions.

Properties Of Aluminium Hydroxide(Al(OH)3)

Al(OH)3 is the molecular formula for aluminium hydroxide. The molecular weight of Al(OH)3 is 378.00 g/mol. The flash point of aluminium hydroxide is non-flammable. The melting point of aluminium hydroxide is 300 °C.

Aluminium Hydroxide Structure-Al(OH)3

Aluminium hydroxide has a typical structure of metal hydroxides consisting of hydrogen bonds. It contains a double layer of hydroxyl groups with aluminium ions occupying two-thirds of the octahedral holes formed between the two layers.

Gibbsite is amphoteric and acts as a Bronsted-Lowry base, accepting hydrogen ions and neutralising acids to form salts.

It is just like a Lewis acid in bases. It takes a pair of electrons away from the hydroxide ions.

Production Of Aluminium Hydroxide-Al(OH)3

Aluminium hydroxide that is used commercially is manufactured with the help of the Bayer process.

This is done by dissolving bauxite in caustic soda at temperatures up to 270 °C. The waste is removed and the sodium aluminate solution is allowed to settle. The resulting precipitate is therefore aluminium hydroxide. Alumina or aluminium oxide can be obtained by calcining aluminium hydroxide.

Aluminium Hydroxide Uses-Al(OH)3

• It is used as a flame retardant in plastics.

• It has it's application as an antacid.

• Used for aluminium hydroxide gel.

• Used in the production of activated alumina.

• Used as a cosmetic filler.

• It is also used as a intermediate in chemicals.

• It has it's application as a soft abrasive for plastics.

• Used in glass additives to increase resistance to temperature cycling.

• Used for waterproof fabric. It helps in the manufacture of glass.

• This drug is used to treat symptoms of too much stomach acid, such as upset stomach, heartburn, and acid indigestion.

• Aluminium hydroxide is a fast-acting antacid to reduce stomach acidity.

• Liquid antacids generally work better than tablets or capsules. The medicine works only on the acid present in the stomach. Does not prevent acid formation.

• May be used alone or with other drugs that reduce acid production (including H2 blockers such as cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole).

Health Hazards-Al(OH)3

• Prolonged contact irritates the eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Contact with water causes a violent explosion. It can result in constipation.

• This can lead to other problems such as haemorrhoids or bowel obstruction. If constipation persists or worsens, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

• If your doctor has told you to take this medicine, remember that your doctor says the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects. Many people taking this drug have not experienced serious side effects.

• To reduce constipation, one should drink plenty of water and do exercise.

• Using an antacid containing magnesium with this product may help prevent constipation. Stool softeners can also help. Aluminium that contains antacids do reaction with phosphorous. It is an important body chemical in the gut.

• This can cause your levels of phosphate to drop if you have healthy kidneys, especially if you use large amounts for a long period of time. See your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low levels of phosphate: Avoid: loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, and muscle weakness.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these rare but very serious side effects, or symptoms of a serious medical problem: black/tarry stools, mental/mood Changes (confusion, deep sleep, etc.), pain when urinating, stomach/abdominal pain, coffee grounds-like vomiting.

Precautions-Al(OH)3

Before taking aluminium hydroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies or if you have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For details, please consult a pharmacist.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you have any of the following health conditions: frequent drinking, dehydration or fluid restriction, constipation problems, or kidney problems (causing kidney stones).

One should not use this medicine during pregnancy. One should talk to the doctor about its risks and benefits.