Aluminum acetate

Description

A white precipitate formed by the reaction of Aluminum hydroxide and Acetic acid. Basic aluminum acetate is used as a lake substrate and as a mordant in textile dyeing. It also functions as a flame retardant and waterproofing agent. An aqueous solution of 5% neutral aluminum acetate (Burow's solution) is used as an astringent and antiseptic.

Synonyms and Related Terms

mordant rouge; Burow's solution; red acetate

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Neutral aluminum acetate (Al(C2H3O2)3) is soluble in water
• Basic aluminum acetate (Al(C2H3O2)2OH) is insoluble in water

Resources and Citations

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 332