Aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate

Synonyms

Alum, potassium, dodecahydrate; Aluminum potassium disulfate dodecahydrate; Aluminum potassium sulfate (1:1:2) dodecahydrate; Aluminum potassium sulfate (AlK(SO4)2), dodecahydrate; Kalinite; Potash alum dodecahydrate; Potassium alum dodecahydrate; Potassium aluminum disulfate dodecahydrate; Potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate; Potassium aluminum sulfate dodecahydrate (Kal(SO4)2.12H2O); Sulfuric acid, aluminum potassium salt (2:1:1), dodecahydrate; [ChemIDplus] Potassium alum; [Ullmann]

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Colorless or white odorless solid; [Merck Index] White odorless solid, soluble in water; [Hawley]

Sources/Uses

Occurs naturally as efflorescence on alum shale and as feather alum on lava; Used to dress fur skins (one of oldest methods); Forms aluminum potassium sulfate (CAS 10043-67-1) when heated above melting point (92.5 deg C); [Ullmann] The most important alums are aluminum potassium sulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate, and aluminum sodium sulfate. Aluminum potassium sulfate (hydrated) has the formula KAl(SO4)2•12H2O. Aluminum sulfate is used as a replacement of the alums. Hydrolysis of the alums yields aluminum hydroxide as a precipitant. Industrial uses include paper sizing, water purification, and textile dyeing (mordant). Alums are also used in pickling, baking powder, fire extinguishers, and astringents. [Britannica]

Comments

A severe eye irritant, based on properties of closely related chemical; [CHEMINFO] May cause irritation; [MSDSonline] See "Aluminum potassium sulfate." See "Aluminum."

Biomedical References

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Fur Dressing and Dyeing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy)