Page 97 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE

Aluminum hydroxide. Red
atoms are oxygen; white atoms
are hydrogen; and turquoise
atom is aluminum. PU BL I S HERS
RESOURCE GRO U P

(NaOH). As the solution cools, aluminum hydroxide settles
out of the reaction mixture as a gelatinous (jelly-like) precipi-
tate, which can then be dried and saved as a white powder. The
aluminum hydroxide can also be precipitated by passing
carbon dioxide gas through the solution.

COMMON USES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Aluminum hydroxide is an effective antacid because it is,
chemically, a base. As such, it reacts with stomach acid
(hydrochloric acid; HCl), to reduce the symptoms of heart-
burn, upset stomach, acid indigestion, and gastritis, an
inflammation of the stomach lining. The compound can also
be used to treat peptic ulcers on a long-term basis. A peptic
ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach or the first
part of the small intestine.
Aluminum hydroxide also has a number of industrial
applications, such as:
• A raw material for the preparation of other aluminum
compounds;
• An additive for cosmetics, paper, plastics, and rubber to
give the final product more bulk;

46 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS