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Alum and Aluminum Sulfate Difference
"On the Differences between Alum and Aluminum Sulfate"
The world doubts that alum and aluminum sulfate are the same thing, but in fact the two are different.
Alum, more commonly known as potassium alum, its chemical composition is aluminum potassium sulfate crystal hydrate, shaped like a colorless transparent block crystal or crystalline powder, with a sour taste. Common in water purification, food additives, external use of medicine and other fields. When purifying water, its hydrolysis produces aluminum hydroxide colloid, which can absorb suspended impurities in water to make the water clear.
Aluminum sulfate is a salt composed of aluminum ions and sulfate ions. The appearance is also often white crystalline powder. It is also a commonly used flocculant in water treatment, and it functions by hydrolysis to generate aluminum hydroxide colloid. However, compared to alum, aluminum sulfate is simple in composition and has no potassium ions.
In terms of uses, aluminum sulfate is used as a sizing agent in the paper industry to enhance the water resistance of paper; it is also used in the tanning industry to help leather tanning. Alum is used in the food field for fried fritters, etc., by reacting with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which makes the fritters expand and brittle. However, due to excessive intake of aluminum, it is harmful to health, and now food applications are limited.
In nature, although both can be hydrolyzed to form aluminum hydroxide colloids, alum contains potassium ions, which are slightly different from aluminum sulfate in some chemical properties and reactivity.
In summary, alum and aluminum sulfate share similarities, such as appearance and some uses, but the differences in composition, properties, and use details are obvious and cannot be confused.
The world doubts that alum and aluminum sulfate are the same thing, but in fact the two are different.
Alum, more commonly known as potassium alum, its chemical composition is aluminum potassium sulfate crystal hydrate, shaped like a colorless transparent block crystal or crystalline powder, with a sour taste. Common in water purification, food additives, external use of medicine and other fields. When purifying water, its hydrolysis produces aluminum hydroxide colloid, which can absorb suspended impurities in water to make the water clear.
Aluminum sulfate is a salt composed of aluminum ions and sulfate ions. The appearance is also often white crystalline powder. It is also a commonly used flocculant in water treatment, and it functions by hydrolysis to generate aluminum hydroxide colloid. However, compared to alum, aluminum sulfate is simple in composition and has no potassium ions.
In terms of uses, aluminum sulfate is used as a sizing agent in the paper industry to enhance the water resistance of paper; it is also used in the tanning industry to help leather tanning. Alum is used in the food field for fried fritters, etc., by reacting with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide, which makes the fritters expand and brittle. However, due to excessive intake of aluminum, it is harmful to health, and now food applications are limited.
In nature, although both can be hydrolyzed to form aluminum hydroxide colloids, alum contains potassium ions, which are slightly different from aluminum sulfate in some chemical properties and reactivity.
In summary, alum and aluminum sulfate share similarities, such as appearance and some uses, but the differences in composition, properties, and use details are obvious and cannot be confused.
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