Aluminum nitrate

Description

Aluminum nitrate, is a white, crystalline material that is soluble in cold water. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that decomposes at approximately 300°F. Aluminum nitrate should not be stored near combustible materials. The four-digit UN identification number is 1438. The primary uses are in textiles, leather tanning, as an anticorrosion agent, and as an antiperspirant.

Chemical properties

Aluminum nitrate is an odorless, white crystalline solid, often in liquid solution,Soluble in cold water, alcohol and acetone; decomposes in hot water.

The Uses of Aluminum nitrate

Textiles (mordant), leather tanning, manufacture of incandescent filaments, catalyst in petroleum refining, nucleonics, anticorrosion agent, antiperspirant.

General Description

A white, crystalline solid. Noncombustible but can accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved or the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Fires that involve Aluminum nitrate , produce oxides of nitrogen. Uses include, petroleum refining, dyeing, and leather tanning.

Air & Water Reactions

Deliquescent. Water soluble. Aqueous solutions are acidic.

Reactivity Profile

Aluminum nitrate is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108].

Hazard

Powerful oxidizing agent. Do not store near combustible materials.

Health Hazard

Ingestion of large doses causes gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, and purging. Contact with dust irritates eyes and skin.

Safety Profile

A poison. A severe eye and mdd skin irritant. A powerful oxidmer. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic NOx. See NITRATES and ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS. A nitrating agent. AHE250

Potential Exposure

Aluminum nitrate is used in tanning leather; as an antiperspirant, as a corrosion inhibitor, in the extraction of uranium and as a nitrating agent

Shipping

UN1438 Aluminum nitrate, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the nitrate from dilute HNO3, and dry it by passing dry nitrogen through the crystals for several hours at 40o. After 2 recrystallisations of ACS grade, it had S, Na and Fe at 2.2, 0.01 and 0.02 ppm, respectively.

Incompatibilities

Aluminum nitrate is a strong oxidizer; avoid contact with flammable or combustible materials; and reducing agents, including chlorides. In solution this chemical is a strong acid; avoid contact with bases. Explosions may occur when aluminum nitrate is shocked or exposed to heat.

Waste Disposal

See Spill Handling above.