Aluminium hydroxide: Difference between revisions
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'''Aluminium hydroxide''' is a chemical compound with the formula Al(OH) | {{Short description|A chemical compound used in medicine and industry}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
'''Aluminium hydroxide''' is a chemical compound with the formula Al(OH)_. It is a common component in various industrial and medical applications. This compound is found naturally as the mineral [[gibbsite]] and is an important precursor to other aluminium compounds. | |||
==Chemical Properties== | ==Chemical Properties== | ||
Aluminium hydroxide is | Aluminium hydroxide is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. In acidic solutions, it acts as a base, while in basic solutions, it acts as an acid. This property makes it useful in a variety of chemical reactions. | ||
==Medical Uses== | |||
Aluminium hydroxide is widely used in medicine, primarily as an [[antacid]] to neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It is also used as a [[vaccine adjuvant]], enhancing the body's immune response to vaccines. | |||
===Antacid=== | |||
As an antacid, aluminium hydroxide works by neutralizing excess stomach acid, thereby alleviating symptoms such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It is often combined with other compounds like [[magnesium hydroxide]] to balance its constipating effects. | |||
===Vaccine Adjuvant=== | |||
In vaccines, aluminium hydroxide acts as an adjuvant, which means it helps to boost the immune response to the vaccine. This allows for a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against the disease. | |||
== | ==Industrial Applications== | ||
In industry, aluminium hydroxide is used as a precursor to other aluminium compounds, such as [[aluminium oxide]] and [[aluminium sulfate]]. It is also used as a fire retardant in plastics and as a filler in the production of [[paper]] and [[rubber]]. | |||
== | ==Safety and Handling== | ||
While aluminium hydroxide is generally considered safe for use in medications and vaccines, it can cause side effects such as constipation when used as an antacid. In industrial settings, proper handling and safety measures should be observed to prevent inhalation or contact with skin and eyes. | |||
== | ==Related Compounds== | ||
Aluminium hydroxide | * [[Aluminium oxide]] | ||
* [[Aluminium sulfate]] | |||
* [[Magnesium hydroxide]] | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[ | * [[Antacid]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Vaccine adjuvant]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Gibbsite]] | ||
[[Category:Aluminium compounds]] | [[Category:Aluminium compounds]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Antacids]] | ||
[[Category:Vaccine adjuvants]] | |||
Revision as of 17:32, 18 February 2025
A chemical compound used in medicine and industry
Aluminium hydroxide is a chemical compound with the formula Al(OH)_. It is a common component in various industrial and medical applications. This compound is found naturally as the mineral gibbsite and is an important precursor to other aluminium compounds.
Chemical Properties
Aluminium hydroxide is an amphoteric substance, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. In acidic solutions, it acts as a base, while in basic solutions, it acts as an acid. This property makes it useful in a variety of chemical reactions.
Medical Uses
Aluminium hydroxide is widely used in medicine, primarily as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It is also used as a vaccine adjuvant, enhancing the body's immune response to vaccines.
Antacid
As an antacid, aluminium hydroxide works by neutralizing excess stomach acid, thereby alleviating symptoms such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It is often combined with other compounds like magnesium hydroxide to balance its constipating effects.
Vaccine Adjuvant
In vaccines, aluminium hydroxide acts as an adjuvant, which means it helps to boost the immune response to the vaccine. This allows for a stronger and longer-lasting immunity against the disease.
Industrial Applications
In industry, aluminium hydroxide is used as a precursor to other aluminium compounds, such as aluminium oxide and aluminium sulfate. It is also used as a fire retardant in plastics and as a filler in the production of paper and rubber.
Safety and Handling
While aluminium hydroxide is generally considered safe for use in medications and vaccines, it can cause side effects such as constipation when used as an antacid. In industrial settings, proper handling and safety measures should be observed to prevent inhalation or contact with skin and eyes.
