The chemical compound aluminum oxalate is spelled as al-you-muh-nuhm ok-suh-leyt in IPA phonetic transcription. The first part of the word, aluminum, is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, and the second part, oxalate, has stress on the first syllable. The "x" in Oxalate is pronounced like "ks" and the "a" is pronounced like "æ". The correct spelling of scientific terms is crucial, as errors in spelling can lead to confusion or misunderstanding in scientific research and communication.
Aluminum oxalate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Al2(C2O4)3. It is an ionic compound consisting of aluminum cations (Al3+) and oxalate anions (C2O42-). The compound is formed by the reaction between aluminum salts and oxalic acid in solution.
Aluminum oxalate appears as a white crystalline solid with a salt-like appearance. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. The compound has a high melting point and is stable under normal conditions.
In terms of its applications, aluminum oxalate finds use in various industries. It can be employed in the manufacture of ceramics, where it is utilized as a glaze formula and as a component in ceramic pigments. It also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other aluminum compounds, such as aluminum oxide. Furthermore, aluminum oxalate has been studied for its potential in luminescent materials and as a catalyst in organic reactions.
Aluminum oxalate is known to have mild toxic properties when ingested or inhaled. Exposure to this compound may cause irritation to the respiratory system and skin. It is important to handle aluminum oxalate with caution and adhere to proper safety procedures when working with it.
Overall, aluminum oxalate is a chemical compound that finds utility in diverse industrial applications, ranging from ceramics to catalysis.
The word "aluminum" originates from the English word "alum", which is a double sulfate of aluminum, typically used in dyeing and tanning. "Alum" comes from the Latin word "alumen", meaning "bitter salt" or "alum". The suffix "-um" in "aluminum" denotes a metallic element.
The term "oxalate" comes from the acid "oxalic acid" and the combining form "-ate". Oxalic acid is derived from the Greek word "oxalis", meaning "sorrel" (a type of plant that contains oxalic acid). The combining form "-ate" is often used in chemistry to indicate the presence of an oxygen atom. Therefore, "oxalate" refers to a compound that contains an oxalate group (-C2O4).