The spelling of the term "ammonia alum" can be understood through its IPA phonetic transcription as "əˈmoʊniə ˈæləm". The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the stressed syllable "mo" with a long "o" sound. The second word starts with the unstressed syllable "al" pronounced with a schwa sound, and ends with the stressed syllable "um" pronounced with a long "u" sound. In chemistry, ammonia alum refers to a type of double salt containing aluminum sulfate and ammonium sulfate.
Ammonia alum is a chemical compound that is formed when aluminum sulfate is combined with ammonium sulfate, resulting in the formation of a double salt. This compound is commonly known as ammonia alum due to the presence of ammonia in its composition. It has a molecular formula of (NH4)Al(SO4)2·12H2O.
Ammonia alum is typically found in the form of a colorless crystalline solid with a white appearance. It has a distinctive odor due to the presence of ammonia, which is a weak base. This compound is highly soluble in water, readily dissociating into its constituent ions when dissolved.
Ammonia alum is widely used in various industries and applications. It played a significant role in traditional medicine and is known for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It has been used as an ingredient in antiperspirants and deodorants, as it can inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for body odor. Additionally, ammonia alum is utilized in the manufacturing of dyes, paper, and textiles, where it acts as a mordant, aiding in the fixation of colors.
Due to its ability to form large, clear crystals, ammonia alum is also commonly used in educational settings as a material for growing crystals in science experiments. While it has many applications, it is important to handle ammonia alum with care, as exposure to the compound in high concentrations can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
The double sulphate of aluminum and ammonium; alumen (Br.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ammonia alum" is derived from the combination of two different terms: "ammonia" and "alum".
1. Ammonia: The term "ammonia" is derived from the ancient Greek word "ammoniakos", which referred to a salt derived from the horns of the Ammonian ram. This salt was later identified as ammonium chloride. Ammonia itself comes from the Greek word "ammos", meaning sand or salt, as early sources of ammonia were found near the temple of Amun, an Egyptian god with horns like a ram.
2. Alum: The term "alum" comes from the Latin word "alumen", meaning "bitter salt". Alum has a bitter taste and was used in ancient times as a mordant or astringent in various applications, such as tanning, dyeing, and purifying water.