ALUMINUM POTASSIUM SULFATE Property

Density 

1.725 g/cm3

solubility 

Freely soluble in water, very soluble in boiling water; soluble in glycerol; practically insoluble in ethanol (96%).

form 

white hygroscopic powder

color 

white

Water Solubility 

g/100g H2O: 3.00 (0°C), 5.90 (20°C), 109 (90°C) [LAN05]

Merck 

13,359

LogP

-1.031 (est)

CAS DataBase Reference

10043-67-1(CAS DataBase Reference)

EPA Substance Registry System

Potassium aluminum sulfate (10043-67-1)

Safety

RTECS 

WS5650000

Hazardous Substances Data

10043-67-1(Hazardous Substances Data)

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

ALUMINUM POTASSIUM SULFATE Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Chemical Properties

Also known as potash alum, alum NF, and potassium alum, Al2(S04)3.K2S04.24H20 (sometimes written AlK(S04)2·12H20) is white, odorless crystals having an astringent taste, and is soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol, and noncombustible. Solutions in water are acid. Derived from alumite, leucite, or similar minerals, and also by crystallization from a solution made by dissolving aluminum sulfate and potassiwn sulfate and mixing, Used in dyeing (mordant), paper, matches, paints, tanning agents, waterproofing agents, purification of water, aluminum salts, food additive, baking powder, astringent, and as a cement hardener.

Chemical Properties

white powder(s); absorbs atmospheric moisture [MER06]

Chemical Properties

The PhEur 6.0 describes potassium alum as a granular powder, or colorless, transparent, crystalline masses. The JP XV describes it as colorless or white crystals or powder. Potassium alum is odorless and has a slightly sweet, strongly astringent taste.

Uses

Astringent (topical).

Definition

ChEBI: A metal sulfate composed of potassium, aluminium and sulfate ions in the ration 1:1:2.

Production Methods

Potassium alum is manufactured by treating bauxite with sulfuric acid and then potassium sulfate. Alternatively, aluminum sulfate is reacted with potassium sulfate.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmaceutical Applications

Potassium alum precipitates proteins and is a powerful astringent. The ability to precipitate proteins is utilized in the manufacture of vaccines, where purified proteins are coprecipitated with and adsorbed onto potassium alum.
Potassium alum is often included in preparations used as mouthwashes or gargles and in dermatological preparations, and it may be used as a topical hemostatic, either as a solid or as a solution. Intravesical instillation of potassium alum, typically as a 1% solution, has been used for hemorrhagic cystitis.

Safety

Potassium alum is often included in preparations used as mouthwashes or gargles and in dermatological preparations.
Large doses of potassium alum act as an irritant and may be corrosive; gum necrosis and gastrointestinal hemorrhage have occurred. Acute encephalopathy has been reported following bladder irrigation with alum solutions in the treatment of bladder hemorrhage. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this practice should be avoided for patients with renal insufficiency.

storage

Store in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers. Stable under normal temperatures and pressures. When kept for a long time at 60–65°C (or over sulfuric acid) potassium alum dodecahydrate loses water, which is reabsorbed on exposure to air. It becomes anhydrous at about 200°C.

Incompatibilities

Potassium alum is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc. When it is dispensed in powders with phenol, salicylates, or tannic acid, gray or green colors may be developed owing to traces of iron in the alum.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (vaginal; suppository). Included in medicines licensed in the UK.