Aluminium carbonate basic
Description
Basic aluminium carbonate is a white, odorless, tasteless, crystalline powder that is virtually insoluble in water and commonly used for its antacid properties, notably in the treatment of peptic ulcers and hyperacidity. The formula is variable, often given as Al₂O₃·CO₂ (sometimes referred to as aluminium carbonate hydroxide or basic aluminium carbonate), distinguishing it from normal aluminium carbonate (Al₂(CO₃)₃), which is not stable or well characterized under normal conditions.
Composition and Properties
Basic aluminium carbonate is a magnesium-aluminium carbonate complex, usually appearing as a white powder or lumps.
It is insoluble in water but can dissolve in hot acids like hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.
This compound is sometimes referred to as “Basaljel” in pharmaceutical contexts.
The compound acts as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acid and alleviating symptoms of hyperacidity and peptic ulcers.
Side effects may include diarrhea and vomiting.
Common Uses
Antacid: Used in the management of gastric ulcers, hyperacidity, and similar conditions.
Water and Wastewater Treatment: Employed due to its absorptive and neutralizing properties for water purification applications.
Raw Material: Used as a precursor for high-surface-area alumina catalysts, fillers in plastics/rubber/ceramics, and as a flame retardant in certain materials.
Additional Notes
The normal aluminium carbonate (Al₂(CO₃)₃) does not exist as a stable individual compound and is rarely encountered outside specific laboratory preparations.
Basic aluminium carbonate is distinct from the pure carbonate due to its basicity (contains hydroxyl groups in addition to carbonate ions).
Marketed antacid brands containing basic aluminium carbonate include “Basaljel”.
This compound's combination of antacid and absorptive properties makes it useful in both medical and industrial applications.
Specifications
| Model No. | N-CH1159 |
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