Overview

Aluminum hydroxide (uh-LOO-min-um hi-DROK-side) is also known as alumina hydrate, aluminum hydrate, aluminum trihydrate, hydrated alumina, hydrated aluminum oxide, and aluminum white. It is a white crystalline powder that occurs in nature as the mineral gibbsite, one of the three minerals (along with boehmite, diaspore) that makes up bauxite. Bauxite is a rocky material from which the metal aluminum is extracted commercially. Aluminum hydroxide is perhaps best known to the average person as an ingredient in antacids, compounds for the treatment of upset stomach, acid indigestion, and related symptoms. It is found in products such as Maalox®, Mylanta®, and Gelusil®. A closely related chemical compound, aluminum hydroxychloride (Al₂Cl(OH)₅) is the active ingredient in most deodorants and anti-perspirants.

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview.

Formula:

Al(OH)₃

Elements:

Aluminum, oxygen

Compound Type:

Inorganic base

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

78.00 g/mol

Melting Point:

Not applicable...