Silicic acid aluminum salt
[CAS# 1335-30-4]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Silicide and silicate
• Name: Silicic acid aluminum salt
• Synonyms: 820A; AD 700NS; AD 700SN; AMT 08; AS 882; ASP 900; ASP-NC 2; ASP-NP; Aluminosilicic acid; Aluminum hydrosilicate; Aluminum silicate; BPT 0104-2; Burgess 30; Burgess 98; Burgess Clay 30; Burgess KE; Davicat O 701; Davison 970; Fillite 100/7; Fillite 50/120; Fillite 52/7S; Fillite 57/7FG; Fillite P 2000; Glassmodoky X 500PA; Huber 90C; Insulite
• Molecular Formula: Al₂O₉Si₃
• Molecular Weight: 282.21
• CAS Registry Number: 1335-30-4 (98615-67-9)
• EC Number: 215-628-2
• SMILES: [O-][Si](=O)[O-].[O-][Si](=O)[O-].[O-][Si](=O)[O-].[Al+3].[Al+3]

Properties

• Density: 2.600 g/cm^3*
• Refractive index: 1.6200^*

^* "Metal-Organics Catalog" physical property data were obtained from Gelest, Inc. of Morrisville, Pennsylvania (US)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H318
• Precautionary Statements: P280-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318

Discovory and Applicatios

Silicic acid aluminum salt, often referred to as aluminum silicate, is a chemical compound composed of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, ranging from industrial processes to pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The compound is typically found as a mineral in nature, and its use has been recognized for centuries, particularly in the field of ceramics and glass manufacturing. The discovery and application of silicic acid aluminum salt have played a crucial role in various sectors due to its unique chemical and physical properties, which include its ability to act as a stabilizer, absorbent, and opacifier.

The discovery of silicic acid aluminum salt can be traced back to the study of clays and silicates, materials that have been used by humans for millennia. Early uses of aluminum silicates were found in pottery, ceramics, and construction materials. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that scientific advancements led to a better understanding of its chemical composition and broader applications. Through research into the properties of silicates and alumina, scientists were able to isolate and refine various forms of aluminum silicates, leading to the development of specialized grades of silicic acid aluminum salts.

One of the primary applications of silicic acid aluminum salt is in the ceramics and glass industries. In ceramics, aluminum silicate is used as a key component in the formulation of clay bodies and glazes. It helps improve the strength, texture, and workability of the clay, as well as the appearance and durability of the finished ceramic product. In glassmaking, aluminum silicate is used as a flux to lower the melting point of silica, thereby making the glass more manageable during production. The compound also enhances the thermal and mechanical properties of the glass, making it ideal for high-temperature and industrial applications.

Silicic acid aluminum salt is also used as an absorbent in a variety of industrial and chemical processes. Due to its high surface area and porous structure, it can absorb moisture, oils, and other substances, making it valuable in the manufacture of detergents, deodorants, and other personal care products. In the pharmaceutical industry, aluminum silicate is employed as an excipient in the formulation of tablets and capsules, where it serves as a binder, filler, and stabilizer. It can also be found in certain gastrointestinal medications, where it is used to relieve symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid.

In addition to its industrial and pharmaceutical uses, silicic acid aluminum salt is also utilized in agriculture, particularly in the formulation of pesticides and herbicides. Aluminum silicate acts as a carrier for active ingredients in these formulations, ensuring that the pesticides adhere to plant surfaces and are released over time. The compound can also improve the stability and effectiveness of these chemicals, allowing them to remain potent for longer periods.

Another significant application of silicic acid aluminum salt is in water treatment, where it is used as a coagulant to remove impurities from drinking water and wastewater. The compound helps to aggregate fine particles, allowing them to be more easily removed during the filtration process. This application is particularly important in regions where water quality is a concern, as it can improve the clarity and safety of water supplies.

While silicic acid aluminum salt has numerous applications, its use must be carefully managed, particularly in regard to its potential health impacts. Ingestion of large quantities of aluminum compounds has been associated with neurological and developmental concerns, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and those with kidney disease. Therefore, safety guidelines are essential when handling and using aluminum silicate in industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural contexts.

In conclusion, silicic acid aluminum salt is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications, including use in ceramics, glassmaking, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and agriculture. Its discovery and refinement have had significant implications for many industries, and its properties continue to make it a valuable material. As research into its potential uses and safety continues, silicic acid aluminum salt will likely remain an important chemical in modern manufacturing and industrial processes.

References

Andrew T. Durant, Kenneth J. D. MacKenzie and Hideki Maekawa. Synthesis and thermal behaviour of gallium-substituted aluminosilicate inorganic polymers, Dalton Trans., 2011, 40, 4865.