In the world, there are many substances, which can not exist in normal conditions. Due to the high chemical activity or other ambient factors, they immediately decompose in the open air into principiums or react to each element in a row with subsequent formation of new compounds.
For storage of similar substances, one has to create special conditions, which would allow the material present inside to retain its physical form.
Aluminum carbonate (Al2(CO3)3) refers just to that group of substances, which can not exist in normal conditions. It can be synthesized with the high pressure of CO2 and temperature near to 0°C. For storage of aluminum carbonate, one would have to create a very complex system, which would protect the substance against any outside access.
However, the issue is, that, in the fact, there is no any need in this substance. This compound does not have any disruptive scientific value in itself, so there is no use to hold it in such complex conditions and spend massive money for that. Therefore, only some insignificant information can be found about this aluminum salt.
Uses
Aluminum carbonate is used as a medical drug in cases of surplus amount of stomach acid like inflammations or ulcerations. Thus, the substance acts as antiacid. However, it treats only symptoms, not the disease itself. This drug is taken in pills or in a liquid form. There is even a make name for this medical substance: Basaljel. Note: you should be careful whole using aluminum carbonate, especially if you have a kidney disease. Some minor side effects are possible.
Aluminum carbonate is also taken to enable the control of phosphate level in one`s body in case of a low- phosphate diet. It helps to keep from the formation of urinary stones.
Formula for Aluminum Carbonate
The formation of compound of aluminum with salt of carbonate acid is received as a result of fritting of an aluminum base to alkali metal carbonates. As a result, the necessary substance can be received, but it immediately decomposes because of hydrolysis of aluminum carbonate.
The cause lies in the fact, that the weak acid (H2CO3) in symbiosis with the poor base (Al(OH)3) gives the weak salt, which can not be opposed to an atmospheric effect. The similar reactions are carried only for clear experiments, because the substance itself does not have any commercial value and the costs for its storage would be much higher than its utility.
That is how one can show the formation of aluminum carbonate Al2(CO3)3 by formulae:
а) Al2O3 + 3CO2 → Al2(CO3)3
b) 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2CO3 → Al2(CO3)3 + 6H2O
The received compound does not subsist. Therefore, it is very difficult to study its properties. No directory on chemistry gives an answer to this question, it has not been studied yet.
Aluminum Hydrogen Carbonate
Hydrogen carbonates are acid salts of carbonic acid H2CO3. Hydrogen carbonates form while a long transmission of CO2 through a solution containing a carbonate. The formula of aluminum hydrogen carbonate is the following: Al(HCO3)3. Aluminum hydrogen carbonate belongs to the group of inorganic salts. However, this substance exists just in form of a formula.