Aluminium Carbonate Formula, Mass, Ionic Formula and Uses

Aluminium carbonate formula Al2(CO3)3 is the carbonate of an aluminium salt that does not exist naturally. With high pressures of carbon dioxide and a temperature close to zero degrees Celsius, it is possible to manufacture it. To protect aluminium carbonate against external factors, creating a very complex storage system would be necessary.

Aluminium Carbonate Formula

Aluminium carbonate formula, also known as an antacid with phosphate-binding activity, is a salt that can be described in various ways. Its chemical formula, Al2(CO3)3, is not well understood due to its rarity in nature. Instead, it is typically found in the form of dawsonite and hydrated basic aluminium carbonate minerals, such as scarbroite and hydroscarbroite. Preparation of aluminium carbonate involves a high-pressure furnace and a low temperature close to 0 degrees celsius.

Aluminum Carbonate Formula Mass

The formula mass of aluminium carbonate, also known as aluminium carbonate, can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the elements in the compound. Aluminium carbonate consists of one aluminium (Al) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. The atomic masses are approximately 26.98 amu (Al), 12.01 amu (C), and 16.00 amu (O). Therefore, the formula mass is:

Aluminum Carbonate Formula Mass = (1 × 26.98) + (1 × 12.01) + (3 × 16.00) amu

Aluminum Carbonate Formula Mass ≈ 78.99 amu

Aluminium Carbonate Formula Unit

The aluminium carbonate formula is Al2(CO3)3. This means that each molecule of aluminium carbonate consists of two aluminium ions (Al³⁺) and three carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻). These ions combine in a 2:3 ratio to form the compound.

Aluminum Carbonate Formula Ions

• Aluminium ion (Al³⁺): Aluminum, with an atomic number of 13, loses three electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming Al³⁺ ions.
• Carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻): The carbonate ion is a polyatomic ion composed of one carbon atom (C) bonded to three oxygen atoms (O) and carries a charge of 2-. This ion is often found in compounds with metals, such as aluminium carbonate.

Aluminum Carbonate Formula Ionic

The aluminium carbonate formula is ionic because it consists of positively charged aluminum ions (Al³⁺) and negatively charged carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) held together by ionic bonds. In ionic compounds, oppositely charged ions attract each other due to electrostatic forces, forming a stable compound.

Aluminium Hydrogen Carbonate Formula

Aluminum or aluminium does not typically form a hydrogen carbonate with a 1:1 ratio like some other metals. A common aluminum compound is aluminum carbonate (Al2(CO3)3), as mentioned earlier. Hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates) are more commonly associated with alkali and alkaline earth metals, where you have one metal ion bonded to one hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO3⁻). For example, sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) has the formula NaHCO3.

Aluminium Carbonate Ionic Formula

The ionic formula for aluminum carbonate is Al²³(CO₃)₃. This notation emphasizes the charge on the aluminum ion, which is +3, and the combination with the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). The numerical subscripts indicate the number of each ion required to balance the charges in the compound.

Preparation of Aluminium Carbonate

It has not been proven that the reaction of aluminium sulfate with sodium bicarbonate can produce aluminium carbonate through double displacement reactions. Additionally, when soluble carbonates are present, they can cause a precipitation of aluminium hydroxide and release carbon dioxide. This is due to the alkaline nature of soluble carbonates.

Aluminium Carbonate Properties

Uses of Aluminium Carbonate

As a phosphate-binding drug, aluminium carbonate, aluminium oxide, and aluminium hydroxide are sometimes administered to dogs and cats to help them bind intestinal phosphate.

Furthermore, this drug inhibits the absorption of dietary phosphate and also diminishes the absorption of phosphorus that comes from the pancreas. In addition, its use in humans is rare. This is because of concerns about its toxicity. Dogs and cats do not seem to have a toxic response to their presence.

In addition, aluminum carbonate is effective in preventing urinary stones in humans. It is also useful in treating inflammations and ulcerations caused by excess stomach acid.

Symptoms are treated by aluminium carbonate, but the disease itself is not affected.

In addition, this drug can be taken in pill form or in liquid form. Those with kidney disease should not use aluminium carbonate and should consult a medical expert before using it. In addition, aluminium carbonate can be used to control one’s body’s phosphate levels.